Vollmer, Cannon Limited Friday, Could Return Monday Night
BOSTON (CBS) -- While it doesn't appear linebacker Jamie Collins will suit up for the Patriots come Monday night, the team should get some of Tom Brady's top protectors back against the Buffalo Bills.
Offensive tackles Sebastian Vollmer and Marcus Cannon and guard Tre Jackson were all limited for the second straight day on Friday, making it likely they will return to action Monday night in Foxboro. Vollmer missed last week's win over the Giants after suffering a concussion the week before against the Washington Redskins. He had slid over to left tackle after Nate Solder was lost for the season, and will likely be back protecting Tom Brady's blindside if he's cleared to play on Monday. Cannon has been out since suffering a toe injury against the Colts in mid-October, and Jackson has been sidelined with a knee injury since New England's Thursday night win over the Dolphins on October 29.
Defensive end Chandler Jones was limited for the second straight day on Friday with an abdomen injury, but talked with reporters after the walkthrough. Injured players usually aren't allowed to talk, so there is hope that Jones will be good-to-go come Monday night. He told reporters that he's working hard to ensure he'll play, but made it clear that he was limited for Friday's practice.
Other players limited on Friday include defensive linemen Alan Branch (elbow) and Jabaal Sheard (knee), wide receiver Keshawn Martin (hamstring) and offensive lineman Shaq Mason (knee).
Collins, who has missed two straight games with an illness, was one of three players who did not participate in Friday's walkthrough. It was reported earlier in the week that Collins has recovered from the virus that has kept him from the team for nearly three weeks, but his return hinges on him regaining the strength and weight he lost while he was sick. Sitting out for a second straight day makes it unlikely that Collins will return this week.
In addition to Collins, wide receiver Julian Edelman (expected to miss 6-8 weeks with a broken bone in his foot) and corner Justin Coleman (hand) both missed Friday's session. The Patriots have one more practice scheduled for Saturday, and will release their full injury report after that session.
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