Carlton

Davis

Earlier today, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said Davis would be listed as questionable, but Davis ended up clearing the NFL’s concussion protocol this afternoon. Davis leads the team with 12 pass breakups this year. His return is good news for the Patriots’ defense.

Hollins was just designated to return yesterday, so we’d be a little surprised if he was instantly activated but this gives him a chance. Davis was spotted shedding a non-contact jersey in practice on Friday and would seem to have a real chance to go against Denver.

Davis still has a chance to clear the NFL’s five-phase concussion protocol, but he will probably need to upgrade to full participation tomorrow. Davis leads the team with 12 pass breakups this season. It would be great to have him on the field for New England’s AFC Championship Game against the Broncos, though Denver may opt for a run-heavy approach.

Davis exited the Patriots’ Divisional Round win over the Texans after suffering a concussion. The veteran cornerback leads his team with 12 pass breakups this season. He has also intercepted two passes. Beginning the week with a limited session is a good sign.

The Patriots again will be without their leading tackler for Sunday’s game against the Ravens. Spillane was unable to get on the practice field this week and hasn’t played since Week 13 against the Giants. In addition to Spillane, the Patriots also listed CB Carlton Davis, CB Marcus Jones, EDGE Harold Landry, and DT Christian Barmore as questionable for Week 16.

Patriots CB Marcus Jones (knee) was also sidelined, and the linebacker corps has three players who are either hurt or ill. The Patriots face the Ravens’ up-and-down offense in Week 16. Although it is far from one of the NFL’s best offenses at this time, it would be nice to get either Davis or Jones on the field this weekend.

Davis left Week 15 with the hip issue and did not return. Fellow cornerback Marcus Jones was also listed as a DNP today. He is dealing with a knee issue. With other starters in the front seven also out of practice, the Patriots could be severely undermanned for their Week 16 date with the Ravens.

Davis went into the blue medical tent in the third quarter and then immediately walked back into the locker room. We’d say that this should help the Bills’ wide receivers get open, but we doubt it would be true.

Vrabel declined to comment on the health of his lineman and what led to his injury, but Williams was limited on Wednesday before being a DNP on Thursday, so it’s safe to assume he is legitimately questionable heading into the AFC East showdown against the Bills. Williams has totaled nine tackles and two sacks this season to go with five TFLs. In addition to Williams, Vrabel also said LB K’Lavon Chaisson (knee), CB Carlson Davis (illness), and LB Jahlani Tavai (calf) would all be questionable for Week 5.

Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the contract includes $34.5 million guaranteed. It’s a good deal for the 28-year-old corner. Davis played well in his lone season with the Lions, totaling 11 pass breakups and two interceptions. However, he suffered a broken jaw late in the year and ended the season on injured reserve. After seven NFL seasons, Davis has yet to play more than 14 games in a single year. For the Patriots, Davis’s health is worth the gamble as they had over $120 million in cap space heading into free agency. Signing him is just one of many moves they will be making over the next week as they look to spend a war chest of cash.