FOXBORO — The Patriots are getting healthier as Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Dolphins nears.
Tight end Hunter Henry (knee) and defensive tackle Christian Barmore (illness) both returned to practice. Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (concussion protocol) also shed his red non-contact jersey.
OLB Harold Landry (knee), LB Robert Spillane (ankle), FB Jack Westover (ankle), G Jared Wilson (concussion protocol) and DT Khyiris Tonga (foot) remained out of Thursday’s practice inside the WIN Waste Innovations Field House.
Rookie left tackle Will Campbell (knee), defensive tackle Milton Williams (ankle) and cornerback Alex Austin (wrist), all of whom are on injured reserve, were present for the session.
The Patriots might need to continue to count on backups at both linebacker positions with Anfernee Jennings, Elijah Ponder and Bradyn Swinson filling in for Landry and Jack Gibbens continuing to start for Spillane.
Westover is the only fullback on the 53-man roster. If he’s out for Sunday’s game, the Patriots might need to count on third-string tight end CJ Dippre to take on a role on offense.
Ben Brown has filled in admirably for Wilson at left guard. Tonga’s role has been filled by reserve defensive tackles Cory Durden, Eric Gregory and Jeremiah Pharms. The Patriots also elevated defensive tackle Leonard Taylor III for Sunday’s win over the Jets.
The Patriots are 13-3 heading into Week 18. A win, plus a Broncos loss to the Chargers, would vault the Patriots into the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. The Broncos are playing the Chargers, who are starting backup quarterback Trey Lance, however, so chances are slim that Denver will lose. The Patriots do still need to maintain control of the No. 2 seed. A loss, plus a Jaguars win over the Titans, would move the Patriots down to the No. 3 seed.
