Bryan Stork and Dan Connolly questionable with concussions

Stork & Connolly are questionable for Thursday. (Jim Rogash - Getty Images)
The day before the Patriots Thursday night showdown with the New York Jets, the Patriots announced that both Bryan Stork and Dan Connolly have been listed as questionable after they missed practice again due to concussions. Both players have been key parts to the success of not only the offensive line, but for the offense as a whole. Bryan Stork was diagnosed with his concussion last week during practice Thursday, and Connolly received his diagnosis following a play in the first half against the Bills last Sunday.



Without Bryan Stork, Ryan Wendell stepped in at center this weekend and was fairly efficient in both the run and pass game. With Stork likely not to play, it is probable that we see Wendell continue in the middle. As for Connolly, with Cameron Fleming still out with a finger injury, the guards for tomorrow night will likely be two of these three: Jordan Devey, Marcus Cannon, and Josh Kline.



The line was able to hold its own against a very good front seven of the Buffalo Bills, which gives hope for the team going against another good front seven with the New York Jets. With Sheldon Richardson and Muhammad Wilkerson both being banged up at times this year, their best two defensive linemen could not be at 100%. With the weather report calling for some intense rain and wind, running the ball could become a necessity, despite the Jets having a decimated secondary after the loss of Dee Milliner. It will be a true test to these back ups if they are called to man up and run the ball, especially without lead back Stevan Ridley.

So far, the Patriots have yet to bring up a player from the practice squad, which will leave just six offensive linemen. This could be dangerous, should someone go down, and it seems unlikely any moves will be made prior to game time. It is gut check time for these linemen who have struggled at times this year.

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