Dont’a Hightower, Chandler Jones Among 10 Questionable for Patriots vs. Chargers

The 2014 season is wearing on and taking its toll on the New England Patriots. There are 10 questionable players for Sunday night’s west coast tilt against the San Diego Chargers with some big names on the list.

Defensive end Chandler Jones (hip) has missed the past five games, and is questionable for Sunday night. He was reported to have a one-month time table for return to action, but if Jones does not play on Sunday, it will be at least two months between games for the Patriots’ best pass-rusher.

Speaking of the pass-rush, linebacker Dont’a Hightower (shoulder) is also questionable. Hightower injured his right shoulder in the fourth quarter of last Sunday’s loss to the Green Bay Packers, and has been a limited participant in practice all week. The Patriots are already thin at linebacker, and Jonathan Casillas could see some playing time if Hightower isn’t healthy enough to play.

Cornerback Kyle Arrington (ankle) was also injured against the Packers, and is another player who is listed as questionable to play. Second-year cornerback Logan Ryan struggled on Sunday in Green Bay, but could be thrown back into the spotlight if Arrington is held out. Alfonzo Dennard has been notably absent from the spotlight this season, but an injury to Arrington could change things quickly.

Long-snapper Danny Aiken (concussion), guard Dan Connolly (ankle), defensive lineman Dominique Easley (knee), wide receiver Julian Edelman (thigh), offensive tackle Cameron Fleming (ankle), wide receiver Brandon LaFell (shoulder), and running back Shane Vereen (ankle) are also listed as questionable, which means each has a 50-50 chance to play on Sunday.

Linebacker and special teams ace Chris White (ankle) is the only player listed as doubtful.

To round out the injury report, quarterback Tom Brady (ankle) and offensive lineman Marcus Cannon (hip) were both listed as probable to play on Sunday. Each one participated fully in practice all week despite their respective injuries.