Patriots Week 14 Injury Report: Dobson Placed On Injured Reserve

By Gregory Hunt

In a move that is unlikely to slow the New England Patriots in their effort to defeat the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium Sunday night, the team placed wide receiver Aaron Dobson on the injured reserve list this week due to a hamstring injury he suffered in last Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers. After being drafted in the second round last year, Dobson’s rookie season ended prematurely when he broke his foot in November. This season, thanks in part to the acquisition of wide receiver Brandon LaFell, Dobson played only 57 snaps, making three catches for 38 yards.

The following players on the Patriots’ Week 14 injury report had limited participation in this week’s practice unless otherwise noted:

Danny Aiken (LS)

Veteran long snapper Danny Aiken is still suffering from the effects of a concussion he suffered in a Week 12 game against the Detroit Lions. Linebacker Rob Ninkovich handled the long snapping duties against the Packers in Week 13, and he will likely continue to do so until Aiken is 100 percent.

Kyle Arrington (CB)

Reserve cornerback Kyle Arrington is a new addition to the injury list this week with an ankle injury. Either Alfonzo Dennard or Malcom Butler will take his place if Arrington is unable to go against San Diego.

Tom Brady (QB)

An ankle injury is given as the reason for starting quarterback Tom Brady’s long stint on the injury list. He’s been a full participant in practice this week, so don’t expect him to miss a play on Sunday.

Marcus Cannon (OL)

Reserve offensive lineman Marcus Cannon has been dealing with a hip injury for three weeks. He still played against Detroit and Green Bay, so expect him to play against San Diego.

Dan Connolly (OL)

In his third separate trip to the injury report this season, starting offensive lineman Dan Connolly is now suffering from an ankle injury. He started at left guard against the Packers despite the injury, so he should start against the Chargers.

Dominique Easley (DL)

Backup defensive lineman Dominique Easley has been dealing with a chronic knee injury for several weeks. He was inactive against the Lions, but played against the Packers.

Julian Edelman (WR)

A thigh injury he suffered in Week 11 against the Indianapolis Colts still continues to bother starting wide receiver Julian Edelman. He still caught seven passes for 48 yards against Green Bay, so don’t expect him to miss any time against San Diego.

Cameron Fleming (OL)

Previously listed with both finger and ankle injuries, backup offensive lineman Cameron Fleming is now listed with merely an ankle injury. Still, he was inactive for the game in Green Bay, so it remains to be seen if he’ll play in San Diego.

Dont’a Hightower (LB)

Starting linebacker Dont’a Hightower was listed on the injury report earlier this season with a knee injury, but now he’s back with a shoulder injury. He has still been a full participant in practice this week, so look for him to start against the Chargers.

Chandler Jones (DE)

Defensive end Chandler Jones, New England’s best defensive player this season, is still trying to recover from a hip injury he suffered nearly two months ago. He practiced on a limited basis last week, but he is not practicing this week and will not see the field versus the Chargers.

Brandon LaFell (WR)

After getting hurt while making a diving catch against Detroit two games ago, starting wide receive Brandon LaFell has been dealing with a shoulder injury. He still caught two touchdown passes versus the Packers, so he should be on the field against the Chargers.

Shane Vereen (RB)

Running back Shane Vereen started last week against Green Bay despite dealing with an ankle injury that continues to plague him this week. He should start against San Diego, and hopefully he will get more than the four touches he received versus the Packers.

Chris White (LB)
 
Reserve linebacker and core special teams player Chris White was a late addition to the injury list last week with an ankle injury. He was inactive against the Packers and he is not participating in practice this week. He should be inactive again in San Diego.

RECAP

Danny Aiken (concussion)
Kyle Arrington (ankle)
Tom Brady (ankle)
Marcus Cannon (hip)
Dan Connolly (ankle)
Dominique Easley (knee)
Julian Edelman (thigh)
Cameron Fleming (ankle)
Dont’a Hightower (shoulder)
Chandler Jones (hip)
Brandon LaFell (shoulder)
Shane Vereen (ankle)
Chris White (ankle)

For more Patriots news and updates, visit Patriots Central.

Gregory Hunt is a Boston native and a life-long fan of the Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins and Celtics. He’s also particularly fond of lacrosse, IndyCar racing and women’s college basketball. He currently works for Examiner.com where he serves as the Senior Manager of Content and Media Access. He also writes for Examiner.com as the New England Patriots Examiner. His work can be found on Examiner.com.