Patriots Injuries - Includes Stephen Neal {merged}

[Lexwhat]

The New England Patriots will face the resurgent Buffalo Bills on Sunday evening without starting right guard Stephen Neal, who was unexpectedly downgraded to "out" on Saturday night because of a shoulder injury.


New England also ruled out free safety Eugene Wilson and linebacker Eric Alexander, but those moves were anticipated since it is believed neither player practiced much this week.


...

Versatile seven-year veteran Russ Hochstein, who has started three games in 2007, including two at right guard, likely will replace Neal again on Sunday evening.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3116558

[BillsOverDolphins]

Re: Patriots Injuries - Includes Stephen Neal

ok, i change my prediction then...34-13 pats

[JD]

Re: Patriots Injuries - Includes Stephen Neal

Well our chances of winning just went up from 0% to 5% woot!

[jamze132]

Re: Patriots Injuries - Includes Stephen Neal

This may turn into a really good thing. If we can apply more pressure up the middle from our front 4, it will make Brady leave the pocket and may in turn throw off the timing. Not that he can't correct it, but we might not be down by 21 after the opening kickoff.

[Mitchy moo]

Pats make last second call to replace RG due to injury...

The New England Patriots will face the resurgent Buffalo Bills on Sunday evening without starting right guard Stephen Neal, who was unexpectedly downgraded to "out" on Saturday night because of a shoulder injury.
New England also ruled out free safety Eugene Wilson and linebacker Eric Alexander, but those moves were anticipated since it is believed neither player practiced much this week.
Neal was limited in practice and, until Saturday, was listed as "questionable" on the injury report, but it was expected he would play. So the Saturday night move was at least mildly surprising. The six-year veteran, a starter since 2004, sat out three games earlier in the year, but had started the past five contests.
A former college wrestling champion, Neal, 31, is a rugged in-line blocker, much stronger as a run blocker than a pass protector. He has started 50 games in his career.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3116558

[Mitchy moo]

Re: Pats make last second call to replace RG due to injury...

Unexpected?? To all but BB. A ching in their armor, send the blitzers there & attack.

[Ickybaluky]

Re: Patriots Injuries - Includes Stephen Neal

Neal has been battling a shoulder problem all year. He missed 3 games earlier in the season because of it. They have experienced backups in 7th-year vet Russ Hochstein and 4th-year vet Billy Yates, so it isn't that critical an issue.

[Cntrygal]

Re: Patriots Injuries - Includes Stephen Neal

Comeon NE... besides Moorman & Lindell - we need to look for any little ray of sunshine.

[mybills]

Re: Patriots Injuries - Includes Stephen Neal

shut up, NE!

[Cntrygal]

Re: Patriots Injuries - Includes Stephen Neal

I enjoy NE's posts! I just want to pretend I'm not fully awake yet.

[YardRat]

Re: Pats make last second call to replace RG due to injury...

Every little bit helps.

[mybills]

Re: Patriots Injuries - Includes Stephen Neal

I enjoy telling him to shut up.

[shelby]

Re: Patriots Injuries - Includes Stephen Neal

Merged for your convenience....

[Whaler53]

Re: Patriots Injuries - Includes Stephen Neal {merged}

Neal may be out, but big Russ will take his place. Russ can play, he's only a backup because of our depth at offensive line. The man could start for most teams out there. Neal may have a slight edge, but it doesn't hurt as bad as one might think.

[SyraBillsLican]

Re: Patriots Injuries - Includes Stephen Neal {merged}

chink