The injuries keep coming for the Patriots

Jabaal Sheard checks on Dominique Easley after Easley suffered a quad injury. David J. Phillip/AP

By Henry McKenna @McKennAnalysis

December 14, 2015

1 minute to read

The Patriots welcomed Rob Gronkowski back from injury on Sunday night. Then they watched as a bunch of critical New England players suffered injuries themselves.

During an otherwise undramatic 27-6 win, the Patriots lost safety Devin McCourty (ankle), running back LeGarrette Blount (hip), defensive linemen Dominique Easley (thigh), and linebacker Jonathan Freeny (hand). Here’s a breakdown of the injuries:

Devin McCourty: NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reported Monday McCourty has a ankle sprain, but will be back in time for the playoffs.

McCourty rolled his ankle during the second half, and was eventually ruled out. On “Sunday Night Football,’’ NBC reported went to the locker room for X-rays.

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LeGarrette Blount: Blount went down on a 6-yard run in the second quarter. He walked off the field, was attended to by trainers on the sideline, and left for locker room just before the end of the half.

Dominique Easley: The defensive lineman fell over during a play in the second half, and lay on the turf for a few minutes before eventually getting to his feet. He walked off the field, got his quad wrapped, and spent the remainder of the game on the sideline and on one of the team’s stationary bikes.

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Jonathan Freeny: The linebacker suffered a hand injury in the first quarter, underwent X-rays, and was spotted in a cast after the game. The x-rays showed, however, that Freeny did not break his hand.

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In addition to the players mentioned, the Patriots are still without Dont’a Hightower, who missed Sunday night’s game with a knee injury, as well as Julian Edelman, who broke a bone in his foot. The Pats hope to get both players back this season.