Wilfork, Watson out

[SWelker]

Nose tackle Vince Wilfork (ankle) and tight end Ben Watson (knee) have been downgraded to out and did not make the trip to Jacksonville tonight. They won’t play tomorrow afternoon. Joining them is rookie tackle Ryan O’Callaghan, who hasn’t played since butting helmets with Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher last month.

While the news on Wilfork and Watson weakens the rushing defense and passing game, respectively, the Pats received some good news to offset it — running backs Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk, as well as safety Rodney Harrison, made the trip and it’s possible that all three could play.


http://news.bostonherald.com/blogs/patriots/

 

[pats1]

O'Callaghan is also confirmed by KFFL/NFL Network:

http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl

Patriots | O'Callaghan OUT for Week 16
Sat, 23 Dec 2006 17:25:04 -0800

The NFL Network reports New England Patriots OT Ryan O'Callaghan (neck) has been ruled out for Week 16.

 

[nescott]

I think Ben is done for the year unless we get to the big game

 

[JR4]

From practice notes this week .... suspected this would be the case

.... but knowing they didn't make the trip makes it a sad reality.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Okay, we're halfway there on the Inactive Roster:

Wilfork - Out
Watson - Out
O'Callaghan - Out
Testeverde - 3rd QB

Best guess:

Rashad Baker - Injury Report Questionable (Thigh)
Eric Alexander - Injury Report Questionable (Shoulder)
Marquis Hill
Chad Jackson or Kelvin Kight

I see LeKevin Smith as the #3 NT behind Wright and Warren.
Kight did some decent blocking against Houston and would be good in the run game, it remains to be seen if he and Tommy are on the same page receiving yet.
Jackson also did some decent blocking, though not as much as Kight, and it also remains to be seen if he and Tommy are on the same page.
Gaffney worked against this club regularly when at Houston.
Bam because I'm just being optimistic that he gets in the game.
Woods and Mays have both come on strong on Special Teams.

 

[Remix 6]

I think Ben is done for the year unless we get to the big game

he hasnt been limping..he has a brace/wrap around his knee but hes not limping say the reporters.

 

[Armen Da Pats Fan]

Wilfork being out really worries me.

Especially against a team that loves to run like Jax.

We need Vince if we're going to go anywhere this season.

Watson, I don't really care. Graham can fill in for him just fine. Watson fumbles too much for my taste anwyay. IR him and get it over with. Let him work on holding on to the ball in the offseason.

 

[tombonneau]

I think Jackson plays and has a big game, if they throw it in his direction of course.

You say that as if NE is intentionally not throwing him the ball? No offense, but I would trust Tom Brady to throw the ball to the proper receiver more than a CJ booster on an internet messageboard.

If CJ is open, he will get balls thrown his way. If he is not, he will be checked off.

 

[BelichickFan]

You say that as if NE is intentionally not throwing him the ball? No offense, but I would trust Tom Brady to throw the ball to the proper receiver more than a CJ booster on an internet messageboard.

It's always someone's fault other than the player with NEM.

 

[skri65]

I think Jackson plays and has a big game, if they throw it in his direction of course.

NEM. For the most part, I respect you and your opinions. But I do hope you keep in mind that the reason many teams lose is not because of the coaching, but because of the players. Now, I think we both agree that there is enough talent on this team to make a deep run in January. And if we don't, it makes sense that we would blame the coaches (a la OC). But keep in mind, the reason we've lost this year isn't soly because of little Josh. Sure, it has bene a part of it. But i think you're putting too little blame on our players. And I think you're doing the same thing with Chad Jackson. You have to put some blame on CJ, or at least the connection Brady and CJ have (failed) to make.

Remember that long ball to CJ a couple weeks ago that tipped off his hand. That had nothing to do with the OC. Brady and Jackson just couldn't make it work.

 

[DarrylS]

The Pats knew these two guys would be out all week, and am confident that they game planned without them. Do not think they would carry them on the roster for the last two games if they should be IR'ed... roster spots are too valuable and there is no value tying up one based on false hope.

 

[PatsMyBoyz!]

Two big losses,though I'd classify Vince as a bigger loss than Watson just because of Ben's apparent case of fumblitis lately.
Vince Wilfork's a beast and it's going to be tough without him. O'Callaghan is another injury we could do without,and he's been o-u-t for quite awhile now.
Naturally we'll never know the true extent of their injuries, but does anyone think they might be back sometime during the playoffs? I know,your guess is as good as mine but humor me. :scared:

 

[oldskool138]

IMO, I think a lot of the "Questionable" players will play in this game. This is about as close to a must-win regular season game as you're likely to see. Both teams NEED this game. The Pats need it so they can (hopefully) rest most of their players next week and the Jags need it to keep their playoff hopes alive.

This will be a knock-down, drag-out football game. Hopefully, Patriot Nation will make a good showing at Altell Stadium. The Pats need to keep the home crowd sitting on their hands by staking an early lead.

So, go Pats! Act like you've been there before...because you have. :rocker: