Jabaal Sheard Expected To Miss Patriots-Bears Preseason Game
BOSTON (CBS) -- After missing the Patriots' last four practices in a row, defensive end Jabaal Sheard is expected to sit out Thursday night's preseason matchup with the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium.
Sheard got "banged up" at some point during the Patriots' preseason-opening 34-22 win over the New Orleans Saints, according to Mike Reiss, who believes team trainers looked at Sheard's knee. The injury is unknown but not believed to be major. Sheard recorded two tackles and a forced fumble, playing 23 snaps for the Patriots before leaving the game.
Defensive end/linebacker Shea McClellin, who also made an impact in the preseason opener with four tackles, is also not expected to play. Based on practice reps, Reiss expects Chris Long and Trey Flowers to start at defensive end with Geneo Grissom and Rufus Johnson next in line. This is the first time of the season that the Patriots' apparent depth of talent at defensive end will be put to the test.
Running back Dion Lewis, guard Tre' Jackson, and tackle Sebastian Vollmer all remain on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and are not expected to play. Here is Reiss' full list of players he is not expected to play Thursday night for health reasons:
TE Rob Gronkowski
CB Logan Ryan
WR Malcolm Mitchell
RB Donald Brown
TE Bryce Williams
G Jonathan Cooper
RB D.J. Foster
WR Keshawn Martin
