The Patriots opened the final quarter of the regular season without their very talented and important tight end. But they had another offensive weapon at their disposal.
Chris Hogan (shoulder) played for New England in its Monday Night Football loss to the Miami Dolphins. Hogan had missed the last four games due to injury prior to Monday.
As is typical for the franchise, New England hasn't missed a beat in Hogan's absence, but his return was especially welcome as Rob Gronkowski spends this week in street clothes. Hogan recorded 33 catches for 438 yards and five touchdowns in New England's first eight games, and offers Tom Brady another option in a receiving corps that has long been without Julian Edelman.
Defensive lineman Alan Branch suffered a knee injury during the first quarter and didn't return to the game.
Elsewhere in injury news on Monday:
- Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson announced on Monday that quarterback Carson Wentz suffered a knee injury in Sunday's win over the Los Angeles Rams.
- Green Bay Packers quarterback* Aaron Rodgers* (shoulder) remains under medical evaluation, coach Mike McCarthy said. No decision has been made on when he might return to playing.
- Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota is dealing with a left knee sprain, coach Mike Mularkey said. The injury isn't considered serious, however, and he should be able to practice Wednesday. Offensive tackle Taylor Lewan is dealing with a minor back injury that Mularkey described as a "short-term" injury.
- Los Angeles Rams corner Kayvon Webster suffered a torn Achilles in their loss to the Eagles on Sunday, coach Sean McVay said after the game.
McVay told reporters Monday that fellow cornerback Trumaine Johnson suffered a stinger on Sunday and is not in concussion protocol. The Rams coach added that right tackle Rob Havenstein (knee), left tackle Andrew Whitworth (knee), pass rusher* Connor Barwin* (forearm) and wide receiver Robert Woods (shoulder) are all on track to play against the Seattle Seahawks next Sunday.
- Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott said it's too early to tell the severity of receiver Kelvin Benjamin's knee injury, per the team's official site.
- Green Bay Packers cornerback Davon House suffered a transverse process fracture in his back, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.
- Todd Bowles said New York Jets quarterback Josh McCownbroke his hand in Sunday's loss to Denver. McCown will be out for the rest of the season and will undergo surgery.
- New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (concussion) said he expects to be good to go for next Sunday against the Jets, per The Times-Picayune.
- Buffalo Bills quarterback Nathan Peterman remains in concussion protocol after suffering a hit on a scramble during the team's thrilling overtime victory over the Colts on Sunday. Tyrod Taylor (knee) likely will start in Week 15 for the Bills. Wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (knee) remains under evaluation.
- The Arizona Cardinals placed offensive tackle Jared Veldheer on injured reserve because of an ankle injury.
- Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch (ankle) didn't practice and defensive tackle* Domata Peko* (knee) was limited as the team prepared for Thursday's game against the Indianapolis Colts.
- Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Donte Moncrief (ankle) didn't practice. Center Ryan Kelly (concussion) practiced fully.