FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots’ Wednesday practices typically are their longest and most physical each week. But not this week.
Ahead of New England’s Week 17 matchup with the Buffalo Bills, head coach Bill Belichick moved Wednesday’s practice inside the team’s field house and shortened it considerably.
Asked why, Belichick initially said he “thought it was the best thing to do” before acknowledging that the Patriots’ current health situation was “definitely a factor.”
Injuries have piled up for this Patriots team as the 2023 regular season draws to a close.
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In addition to the slew of key contributors on injured reserve — a list that includes Matthew Judon, Christian Gonzalez, Kendrick Bourne, Cole Strange, Marcus Jones, Conor McDermott and others — New England was without tight end Hunter Henry, running back Rhamondre Stevenson, safety Jabrill Peppers, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and special teams ace Matthew Slater for Sunday night’s road win over the Denver Broncos.