The New England Patriots got a needed dose of good injury news Tuesday.
Tom Curran of CSN New England reported that starting left tackle Sebastian Vollmerdoes not have a severe ankle injury, and is expected to be back for the playoffs. The news is a little surprising after Vollmer was carted off the field against the Jets on Sunday, and immediately ruled out for the game.
The Patriots have one of the most banged-up rosters of all the playoff teams, but they are at least hopeful of getting healthier for the postseason. Wide receivers Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola, safeties Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung, and linebacker Jonathan Freeny are among the players the Patriots hope to have back for the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
Vollmer has been playing left tackle instead of his usual right side because starter Nate Solder was lost for the season in October. New England's offensive line has struggled to settle on a starting five all season because they haven't been able to get healthy, and the pressure on Tom Brady has continued to increase.
New England has to win Sunday in Miami to earn the No. 1 seed in the AFC. The team that suits up in the playoffs should look considerably different than the one that is ready for the playoffs.
