With homefield advantage in the AFC playoffs in hand, the Patriots will rest multiple starters in Sunday’s game vs. Buffalo, including two of their top pass catchers.
Tight end Rob Gronkowski and wide receiver Julian Edelman are among the inactives announced by the club this morning. Edelman was questionable with a thigh injury and a concussion, while Gronkowski was not on the injury report. However, Gronkowski is about a year removed from ACL and MCL tears, so an extra week of rest is certainly prudent.
Cornerback Brandon Browner (groin), left guard Dan Connolly (knee), tailback Jonas Gray (ankle), linebacker Donta Hightower (shoulder), tailback Shane Vereen (ankle) are also inactive for the Patriots, who get a wild-card round bye and will have next weekend off.