Patriots Skip Joint Practices with Titans after Scary Injury; Uncertainty Surrounds Preseason Finale
The New England Patriots have decided to forgo their joint practices with the Tennessee Titans due to a frightening injury suffered by rookie cornerback Isaiah Bolden. This decision has left the Patriots uncertain about who they will face in their preseason finale at Nissan Stadium on Friday.
Titans head coach Mike Vrabel expressed his uncertainty about which players will participate in the exhibition matchup. While the team aims to prepare everyone for the upcoming season, they also want to ensure their players’ safety. Vrabel mentioned the need to balance conditioning and playing time for players like Harold Landry, who is returning from a torn ACL.
Vrabel will make a final decision later in the week after evaluating the team’s performance in practice. He acknowledged that veteran players like Derrick Henry, DeAndre Hopkins, and Ryan Tannehill have already proven themselves in many football games.
Deciding whether to play starters in preseason finales is a common dilemma for NFL coaches. With the league now having three instead of four preseason games, keeping players rested and healthy is a top priority.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick will face the same decision. The team announced that Bolden has been released from the hospital and has returned to New England with the rest of the team. Bolden’s injury during Saturday’s game against the Green Bay Packers led to the suspension of the game for 10 minutes, as he remained motionless on the field.
Bolden took to social media on Sunday to share a message, letting fans know that he is okay.
The Patriots’ decision to skip the joint practices with the Titans highlights the importance of player safety during preseason games. While it may have denied them an opportunity to face star players like Henry and Hopkins, the focus on conditioning and minimizing the risk of injuries takes precedence.
As the preseason finale approaches, both teams will carefully consider their strategies and prioritize the well-being of their players. It remains to be seen who will take the field on Friday at Nissan Stadium.
