Vollmer, Chung miss third straight practice

Share

FOXBORO -- Patrick Chung and Sebastian Vollmer were once again missing from practice on Friday, the third straight day for both, and they are listed as doubtful for Sunday's game at Denver.

The Patriots were practicing in shells and sweats in the team's fieldhouse.

There has been very little good news to come out in regards to Chung (foot) since he has been sidelined since Week 9. He was spotted wearing a protective boot on his foot on Monday. While that doesn't necessarily mean his injury has gotten worse, the fact that he has not practiced in three days could be taken as a sign that he has regressed. He was limited participant in practice last week in preparation for the Redskins.

While the Broncos don't pose the most formidable passing attack -- they are 31st in the league in pass yards per game, behind only Blaine Gabbert's Jacksonville Jaguars -- Chung's absence would be a significant one. Bill Belichick spoke on Friday about the difficulty of preparing for Denver's option attack. Having Chung available to organize the secondary, as well as help against the run, would have been beneficial.

With Vollmer out, it appears as though Nate Solder will once again get the start at right tackle. The rookie right tackle was praised by offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien earlier this week for his ability to fit in seamlessly with the Patriots' veteran offensive line group. He will have his work cut out for him blocking Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil, who have combined for 19 sacks this season.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
DOUBTFUL: T Sebastian Vollmer (backfoot), S Patrick Chung (foot).
QUESTIONABLE: CB Kyle Arrington (foot), WR Deion Branch (groin), C Dan Connolly (groin), WR Julian Edelman (back), LB Dane Fletcher (thumb), S James Ihedigbo (shoulder), CB Devin McCourty (shoulder), WR Matthew Slater (shoulder), LB Brandon Spikes (knee), RB Shane Vereen (hamstring), WR Wes Welker (knee), C Ryan Wendell (calf), RB Danny Woodhead (abdomen).
DENVER BRONCOS
QUESTIONABLE: S David Bruton (Achilles), S Brian Dawkins (neck), CB Andre Goodman (concussion).
PROBABLE: FB Spencer Larsen (hamstring), LB Von Miller (thumb), WR Eddie Royal (concussion).

Contact Us