A bug is spreading like wildfire through the New England Patriots' locker room, threatening to derail their playoff push just days away from a crucial showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Three key players on the Patriots' beleaguered offense line - Morgan Moses, Garrett Bradbury, and Vederian Lowe - were absent from practice on Wednesday due to illness. Meanwhile, linebacker Anfernee Jennings was also out, adding to the growing list of sidelined players for the team. Defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga is nursing a foot injury that's keeping him off the field as well.
The situation has left Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel looking increasingly concerned about the spread of illness within his squad, with several other players missing practice or listed as limited participants due to various injuries.
However, Vrabel remains optimistic about the team's chances ahead of Sunday night's playoff game. "It'll be critical this week against a good front and a good defense," he said. "So, that's what's going to matter. I think they've continued to improve and helped us stay balanced."
On the other side of the battlefield, the Chargers are also dealing with some injuries of their own. Rookie running back Omarion Hampton has been sidelined due to an ankle injury, while rookie wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith is nursing a hamstring strain.
The Patriots' offense will face a stiff test against the Chargers' stingy defense, which has allowed quarterbacks to complete just 60.79% of their passes this season - the fifth-lowest mark in the league. But if the Patriots can get their struggling offense up and running on Sunday night, they may just have enough firepower to take down the Chargers.
As the two teams prepare to clash in a high-stakes playoff showdown, the question on everyone's mind is: will the Patriots' illness bug prove to be too much for them to overcome?
Three key players on the Patriots' beleaguered offense line - Morgan Moses, Garrett Bradbury, and Vederian Lowe - were absent from practice on Wednesday due to illness. Meanwhile, linebacker Anfernee Jennings was also out, adding to the growing list of sidelined players for the team. Defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga is nursing a foot injury that's keeping him off the field as well.
The situation has left Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel looking increasingly concerned about the spread of illness within his squad, with several other players missing practice or listed as limited participants due to various injuries.
However, Vrabel remains optimistic about the team's chances ahead of Sunday night's playoff game. "It'll be critical this week against a good front and a good defense," he said. "So, that's what's going to matter. I think they've continued to improve and helped us stay balanced."
On the other side of the battlefield, the Chargers are also dealing with some injuries of their own. Rookie running back Omarion Hampton has been sidelined due to an ankle injury, while rookie wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith is nursing a hamstring strain.
The Patriots' offense will face a stiff test against the Chargers' stingy defense, which has allowed quarterbacks to complete just 60.79% of their passes this season - the fifth-lowest mark in the league. But if the Patriots can get their struggling offense up and running on Sunday night, they may just have enough firepower to take down the Chargers.
As the two teams prepare to clash in a high-stakes playoff showdown, the question on everyone's mind is: will the Patriots' illness bug prove to be too much for them to overcome?
! The Pats are down 3 starters from their offense line already & Anfernee Jennings isn't even playing 
... but like Mike Vrabel is still hyping up the squad 
and saying they've improved & stayed balanced lol what a coach 
... the Chargers r dealing with some injuries too tho 
Omarion Hampton's ankle injury is major 
... I'm thinking the Pats' offense line is gonna be a major issue on Sunday night 
. The Chargers' defense is no joke, their QB completion percentage is crazy low 
. can the Pats even get their offense going? it's gonna be such a close game either way 
. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they'll pull through and make it to the playoffs 
. It sounds like an excuse to me. Can't these players just suck it up and play through a little sickness? I mean, they're pros, right? 
i feel bad for the team though, they really need to get everyone healthy ASAP. but at the same time, their offense has been struggling all season so maybe this could be an opportunity for them to step up? 
. Their offense line is already struggling, so can you imagine trying to get that sorted out with multiple guys missing? 
might be tough for Patriots to overcome 
fingers crossed for Sunday night's game 
this is getting scary for the pats, like how can you even prep for a game with so many guys down 
hope the pats' offense can get back on track and show us what they're made of 
, like when your squad gets sick and you're stuck watching Netflix all day 
. But seriously, it's crazy how injuries can pile up at the worst possible time. I mean, Anfernee Jennings is out, but Vrabel's still feeling optimistic? maybe he's been watching too many rom-coms 
, "it'll be critical" indeed 
!
gotta get these guys healthy ASAP so they can crush those Chargers 
. Coach Vrabel seems pretty optimistic though, and I think he's right - the team has been improving lately. But, oh man, the offense line situation is getting serious 
. And on the other side, the Chargers are dealing with some injuries of their own 
. Still, Coach Vrabel seems pretty optimistic, and I think they've made some good strides this season... fingers crossed for them on Sunday night! 
. one thing for sure, this Chargers defense is looking 
. On a serious note, though, it's gonna be an intense game either way - the Chargers' defense is looking fierce 
maybe dey can pull off a miracle 
but idk lol 
. Their offense has struggled all season and this could be the final nail in the coffin 
. The Chargers' defense is no joke 
- they're like a brick wall 
. Still, if anyone can pull it off, it's Bill Belichick's guys 
!