Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez Won't Play Against Bills

Dec 25, 2010

The New England Patriots need a victory against the Buffalo Bills tomorrow to secure the AFC East title and home-field in the playoffs, but that task may be a little bit tougher.

The Patriots have announced that tight end Aaron Hernandez (hip), linebacker/defensive end Jermaine Cunningham (calf), defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick (shoulder/flu) and offensive lineman Dan Connolly (concussion) will not play tomorrow.

Defensive linemen Myron Pryor (back) and Mike Wright (concusion), who have missed a few games already, also will be out.

It means another game with a thin defensive line for the Patriots with Deaderick joining Pryor and Wright as unable to play. In the Patriots' final injury report of the week on Friday, defensive lineman Ron Brace (concussion) was listed as questionable after being limited at practice all week.

The other players who remain questionable for tomorrow are linebacker Tully Banta-Cain (groin) and safety James Sanders (flu).

Fantasy Impact:

The loss of Hernandez upgrades Rob Gronkowski's outlook considerably. Gronkowski and Hernandez have been taking turns as New England's most productive tight end, and now Gronkowski will get extra looks and he should be able to take advantage of them.

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Cowboys Beat: TE Jake Ferguson not expected to play Thursday

Nick Harris on X

1 hour ago

Long list here, but this is what I’ve gathered:

Guys I expect to play: Brandin Cooks, CeeDee Lamb, Tyler Smith, Cooper Rush

Guys I don’t expect to play: Jake Ferguson, Caelen Carson (possible IR), Zack Martin, Asim Richards

Gonna be close: Trevon Diggs, Eric Kendricks, Marshawn Kneeland

Related players: Luke Schoonmaker

Fantasy Impact:

Ferguson didn't practice Tuesday and remains in protocol, while Rush and Lamb both logged limited sessions. Cooks was also limited. Harris expects Rush, Lamb and Cooks to all play on Thanksgiving against the Giants. If Ferguson is out, Schoonmaker makes for a nice option as a replacement TE in fantasy lineups.

QB Daniel Jones has 'leading' choice, decision could come Wednesday

Josina Anderson on X

1 hour ago

A high-ranking league official told me they have the impression QB Daniel Jones has zeroed on a "leading" choice. While another high-ranking league source told me their understanding is Jones "is telling teams tomorrow."

Fantasy Impact:

Jones seems headed for a backup job and the Ravens, Vikings and Bucs seem like teams that could be in the market. There is a report that says Jones has eliminated the Raiders from contention. As the report said, a decision could come Wednesday from Jones.

Saints say WR Chris Olave (concussion) in a good place

Katherine Terrell on X

1 hour ago

Darren Rizzi said that Chris Olave is in a good place.

Fantasy Impact:

The post went on to say Olave was at the Saints practice on Tuesday and that Olave has seen several specialists and has another appointment coming up soon. On IR, the earliest Olave could be back is Week 15, but there seems to be a ways to go before we get to that point. Other reports say Olave may not return this season.