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The New England Patriots’ latest loss was another disappointment-filled affair. There were few positives to take away from the 30-17 defeat against the Arizona Cardinals, with the injury situation one of those: only one player was noticeable shaken up in Week 15.
With that being said, let’s assess the damage after re-watching the game.
Patriots injury analysis: Week 15
LB Christian Elliss: Elliss was one of the Patriots’ better defenders against Arizona, but he was pulled from the game after the first James Conner touchdown run in the fourth quarter (10:42). Elliss had attempted to tackle the running back, who was charging into the end zone at full speed, but only managed to touch him with his helmet. He subsequently appeared to undergo a concussion check after that play, and was announced as questionable to return with a head injury — a potentially troubling designation. However, he was back on the field for the Patriots’ onside kick just inside the two-minute warning.
What this means for the Patriots
Losing Ja’Whaun Bentley to a torn pectoral muscle in Week 2, the Patriots’ linebacker group has been a shell of its former self for much of the season. Elliss also going down for an extended period of time after taking over a starter-level role in recent weeks would have been another major blow to the unit.
Luckily for New England, the fact that he managed to return to the game after originally getting labeled as questionable can be seen as a positive sign. Of course, as with all injuries — obvious or not — practice participation will give clear indication of a player’s status.
New England will hold its first practice of Week 16 on Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET. The team’s initial injury report is set to be released a few hours later.
The Patriots will travel to Buffalo on Sunday for their first game this season against the AFC East champion Bills. Kickoff at Highmark Stadium has been flexed to 4:25 p.m. ET.