Patriots Release Practice Report: Key Player Absent Due Injury

The New England Patriots will have their playoff opener in 11 days, and the practice report says that they are missing three players.

The Patriots had their practice session without fullback James Develin, tight end Dwayne Allen and safety Devin McCourty. The same was confirmed in the team’s practice report. Reporters did not saw the three players during the portion of the session open to the media.

Develin took to his Instagram account to announce the birth of his baby, and yes, his absence is explained.

“Adding another member to this crew in a few short hours. The strength and selflessness I’ve seen in @jennydevelinthese past few years has been incredible. Can’t even begin to tell how proud and appreciative I am for all you’ve done for us. We absolutely adore you. NOW LETS GO HAVE THIS BABY!!” he wrote.

Develin plays really well, and head coach Bill Belichick is impressed with him. “Yeah, I mean, he’s so deserving of that recognition from our team. You know, Devin’s just a tremendous person, team captain pretty much ever since he got here – second year – has been a great player for us, great leader for us, very unselfish with his time, great example for younger players, just does everything right. [He] trains well, studies, special teams, defense, play deep, play up on the line – whatever you need him to do – play corner, play safety, return kickoffs, cover kickoffs. It’s whatever you need him to do. He’s been a great, great player to have on this team. He’s been a great addition to our team from really the day he got here,” he said.

McCourty was injured during Sunday’s game against the New York Jets.

Allen played 26 snaps in the Week 17 contest. This does not explain his absence, but we know that he may be hurt because running back James White posted a video of Allen slipping on concrete wearing his uniform. It may not be a serious injury, but he sure needed some time off.

The Patriots will confront the Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens or the Los Angeles Chargers in the divisional round of the playoffs. We will not have much info until the upcoming weekend.

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