The bye week is coming at a much-needed time for the Patriots, who will have four days off before resuming practice on Monday.
“I think Coach [Bill Belichick] said we’ve been going about 15 weeks straight dating back to training camp,” captain Matthew Slater said. “That’s a grind, physically and mentally, emotionally. It’ll be a nice time for guys to step away and clear their minds and get ready to make a push here.”
Players will be free to spend the weekend as they choose. Linebacker Dont’a Hightower, offensive guard Shaq Mason, and cornerback Joejuan Williams all will be returning to their home state of Tennessee.