Dobson ruled out; Thompkins, Dennard questionable for Saturday

The Patriots and Colts have released their final injury reports before tomorrow night's playoff contests, and there are few surprises.

For the Patriots, Aaron Dobson has been ruled out with a foot injury. This was expected for the rookie receiver, who has yet to practice since re-aggravating his injury going for a deep ball in the regular season finale against Buffalo. Dobson has been hampered with the injury since Week 12, when it forced him out of the Denver game. At this point, any contribution from him this postseason seems like a longshot.

The Patriots also had two key contributors listed as questionable: receiver Kenbrell Thompkins and cornerback Alfonzo Dennard. Thompkins is dealing with a hip injury suffered after a bad fall Week 13 against the Texans, while Dennard has been battling knee and shoulder issues for much of the year.

Despite the "questionable" designation, it would be a surprise if either doesn't suit up Saturday. Both players practiced every day this week, albeit with a "limited" designation. Thompkins returned to the field for the Patriots Week 17 win over the Bills, while Dennard did not after playing limited snaps Week 16 against Baltimore.

Both players could be in line for key roles if they are able to suit up. With Dobson out, Thompkins would presumably play in his role as the team's primary "X" (outside) receiver. Depending on his health, Dennard could be play a big role for a secondary looking to shut down TY Hilton and the Colts passing attack.

For the Colts, wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey was the only player ruled out. This was no surprise, as reports surfaced earlier in the week that the speedy receiver would be out "a few weeks" after injuring his hamstring during the Colts Wild Card win over the Chiefs. After Heyward-Bey, the Colts have no one listed worse than "Probable", including starting safety LaRon Landry (concussion) and nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin (rest).