Five Patriots Injuries to Watch Ahead of Giants Game

FOXBOROUGH, MA. — With the Thanksgiving holiday behind them, the New England Patriots returned to the practice fields adjacent to Gillette Stadium to continue preparations for their Week 13 showdown in prime time with the New York Giants.

While the Giants present potential problems for the Pats both strategically and logistically, the team remains focused on optimizing the health of its players. Having already placed defensive tackle Milton Williams, offensive lineman Will Campbell and cornerback Alex Austin on injured reserve, New England is hoping to keep their list of walking wounded to a minimum.

In that vein, here is a look at five injured players who will have the Patriots full attention in the coming days leading up to their Week 14 game against New York.

Jared Wilson

Although he has yet to be placed on injured reserve, Wilson remains under the close watch of Patriots Nation during the team’s Week 13 practices. The Pats rookie suffered a high-ankle sprain during the team’s Week 12 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals and is considered “week-to-week.” While most high-ankle sprains require a recovery time of 4-6 weeks, the Patriots are hoping that Wilson’s injury lands on the shorter side of that span. Should Wilson take part in any of New England’s sessions, it may be a sign that he is closer to a return than originally thought.

In 10 games this year, the former Georgia Bulldog has aligned on 655 snaps (92.8%) on offense — allowing four sacks, six hits and 22 pressures. With head coach Mike Vrabel all but confirming that Wilson will be out for this week’s game against the Giants, reserve Ben Brown will likely assume his spot in the starting lineup. This season, the 6-foot-5, 313-pounder has aligned on 135 snaps on offense, both at guard and as a tight-end style blocker. In his only start — in Week 4 vs. the Carolina Panthers — Brown allowed no quarterback hits or sacks.

Brenden Schooler

Among New England’s most-significant practice absentees this week has been special teams captain Brenden Schooler. The 28-year-old left the game in the first half due to a left ankle injury. He was soon thereafter spotted attempting to test his wrapped left ankle, with visible frustration. Schooler was quickly sent to the locker room and was later ruled out for the remainder of the game. Since that time, he has not participated in practice. Schooler is leading the team with 12 special teams tackles and needs two special teams tackles to match his career-high of 14 which he set in his rookie season in 2022.