The New England Patriots will play for the last time this season when they host the Buffalo Bills in Week 18. The two AFC East teams will meet for the second time this season. Two weeks ago, the first time the two teams played, the Pats jumped out to a 14-0 lead at Orchard Park, but ended up losing 24-21.
After last week's win over the New York Giants, the Pats sit at No. 1 in the 2025 NFL draft order. However, a win at Gillette Stadium this week could see them drop out of that top spot.
Here's a look at the Patriots' injury report for Week 18.
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Patriots injury report for Week 18
The New England Patriots There were 15 players on Wednesday's first injury report of the week, including four with DNP.
QB Drake Liquid He appeared on the team's injury report as a limited participant due to an injury to his right hand. After exiting last week's game against the Los Angeles Chargers early with a concussion, CB Christian Gonzalez did not practice Wednesday.
Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (illness), center Ben Brown (concussion) and wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk (shoulder) also missed practice.
Other players the team listed as limited in practice Wednesday were safety Kyle Dugger (ankle/quadriceps), tight end Hunter Henry (foot), linebacker Anfernee Jennings (knee), linebacker Titus Leo (ankle), safety Jabrill Peppers (hamstring), safety Tackles Brenden Schooler (abdomen), linebacker Sione Takitaki (knee), linebacker Jahlani Tavai (knee) and Caedan Wallace (ankle).
Drake Maye injury update
New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo reaffirmed Wednesday that Drake Maye will be available for the Week 18 matchup against the Buffalo Bills if he is fit and available. Later in the day, the quarterback appeared on the injured list as a limited practice participant due to a hand problem.
Maye injured his finger during the Chargers game last week, but it wasn't thought to be a major problem. A head injury also saw him leave the game temporarily in the first quarter, but he returned in the second quarter and played until late in the fourth quarter, recording 12 completions, 117 passing yards and a score.
If the fluid does not fully heal, the Patriots will not play in Sunday's game. The team may eventually decide to rest him to avoid a more serious injury, especially since a loss to Buffalo would guarantee them the first pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
Ja'Lynn Polk injury update
Ja'Lynn Polk barely participated in the Patriots' last game against the Chargers, as he was only targeted once and failed to record any catches. But it seems that he injured his shoulder in that game.
To have a chance to play against the Bills in Week 18, Polk will likely have to return to practice on Thursday or Friday, at least in a limited capacity, after starting as a DNP in practice on Wednesday of the week.
Christian Gonzalez injury update
It was no surprise that cornerback Christian Gonzalez did not participate in Wednesday's practice after suffering a head injury against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17.
Gonzalez entered the medical tent and was considered questionable to return after suffering a head injury last week. But shortly before the break, he was finally denied the right to play again.
Regarding Gonzalez's status for Week 18, Jerod Mayo said:
“It's still in the protocol, so I don't want to go too far down that line.”
Gonzalez is highly unlikely to play against the Bills.
Edited by Peter Ribin