New England Patriots Fantasy Football News | Shark Bites

Patriots S Adrian Phillips (ribs) and LB Raekwon McMillan (thumb) are active for today's game against the Steelers. Neither is a high-level IDP play.

Patriots S Adrian Phillips (ribs) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Steelers. He was limited all week in practice. We'll see about his status Sunday morning.

Patriots LB Ja'Whaun Bentley missed Wednesday's practice with a toe injury. We'll watch his participation the rest of the week. If Bentley misses Sunday's game at Pittsburgh, then Raekwon McMillan would presumably lead New England off-ball LBs in playing time.

Patriots S Adrian Phillips left Sunday's loss to the Dolphins with a rib injury. We'll see about the severity, though don't be surprised if details are lacking. (It's the Patriots.)

Patriots DB Kyle Dugger did not start in Friday night's simulated intrasquad scrimmage. NESN reports that he rotated in with slot CB Jonathan Jones on the "blue" team, which featured 1st-stringers. It's obviously early in the process, but this doesn't seem good for the playing time of the 3rd-year player. Dugger spent most of last season playing near full time. He came in short of 75% playing time just twice across the 1st 12 games, exceeding 80% 6 times. But his final 3 regular-season outings checked in at just 56%, 63% and 51%. Dugger rebounded to 83% in the playoff loss at Buffalo. If he continues to be more of a sub-package player through the preseason, Dugger might be hard pressed to reach 70% playing time consistently without injury to a teammate. That, in turn, would make it tough for him to deliver regularly useful fantasy points. We've knocked Dugger way down the IDP rankings for now.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Patriots are signing CB Malcolm Butler to a 2-year deal that could be worth up to $9 million. The money suggests they hope Butler can start for them but doesn't necessarily lock him into their top 3 at the position. Butler missed last season after "retiring" but has clearly been inspired by Tom Brady. When active, Butler is capable of delivering useful IDP numbers -- at least in part because QBs like to throw at him.

Patriots S Adrian Phillips (knee) and DT Christian Barmore (knee) are active for today's game against the Dolphins, after entering the day questionable. LB Dont'a Hightower is inactive with his own knee injury.

Patriots S Adrian Phillips sustained a wrist injury in Sunday's win over the Jaguars. We'll see about his status for Week 18.

Patriots S Kyle Dugger (hamstring), S Adrian Phillips (knee, illness) and CB J.C. Jackson (elbow) are active for today's game against the Jaguars. All arrived questionable but should be ready for IDP use at their appropriate levels.

The Patriots on Saturday activated LB Ja'Whaun Bentley and edge Matt Judon from the COVID list. That should make each available for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

Patriots S Adrian Phillips (knee, illness) and CB J.C. Jackson (elbow) are questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

The Patriots on Monday placed EDGE Matt Judon and LB Ja'Whaun Bentley on the COVID list. We'll see whether either can make it back onto the active roster -- and into IDP lineup contention -- ahead of Sunday's game against Jacksonville.

Patriots S Adrian Phillips (knee) is active for today's game with the Bills. He arrives as a nice upside IDP play. DT Christian Barmore (knee) and LB Ja'Whaun Bentley (ribs, ankle) are also active after arriving questionable.