FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Like the Jets, the Patriots should be newly healthy at some key positions again tomorrow.
While the Jets are expected to welcome back center Nick Mangold, New England appears likely to have tight end Aaron Hernandez and defensive linemen Albert Haynesworth and Mike Wright back from injuries that sidelined all three for much of the young season.
On the flip side, ex-Jets running back Danny Woodhead (ankle), wideout Julian Edelman (ankle) and offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer (back) were listed as doubtful on the injury report and are expected to join leading tackler Jerod Mayo (out at least six weeks with a knee injury) on the sidelines.
But the returnees should give 3-1 New England a boost, especially Hernandez in the passing game.
Hernandez, who had seven catches each in the Patriots’ first two games before missing the next two with a knee injury, practiced again yesterday and should play in the showdown of AFC East rivals at Gillette Stadium.
Haynesworth has missed the past two games with an unspecified back ailment but practiced yesterday. Wright did, too, after missing three games with a concussion.
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The Patriots released running back Eric Kettani from their practice squad yesterday after he was ordered back to duty with the Navy.
Kettani said in a tweet he had arrived at the USS Klakring, a frigate which is in Jacksonville, Fla.
“Just reported on the USS Klakring and thank you everyone for your encouraging thoughts and support,” the tweet said.
The Patriots had signed Kettani, who played fullback at Navy, on May 4, 2009, and placed him on the reserve/military list July 23, 2009. He was activated from that list July 28, released after training camp and signed to the practice squad.
Kettani is appealing the decision by the Navy.
By releasing him rather than putting him back on the reserve list “we have the option to bring him back if other things get worked out,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Friday. “Once he’s on reserve, then he’s out for the year.”
The Patriots filled the practice squad vacancy with defensive back Josh Victorian, who had been released Wednesday.
With AP