Patriots playoff injury update: Who’s in and who’s out for Wild Card game

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Patriots playoff injury update: Who’s in and who’s out for Wild Card game

Chris Mason · MassLive

Fri, Jan 9, 2026 ·

2 min read

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The Patriots have given the questionable designation to some key pieces for Sunday night’s Wild Card game against the Chargers.

Sack leader Harold Landry (knee), deep threat Kayshon Boutte (hamstring), and sixth offensive lineman Thayer Munford (knee) are all questionable, while defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga (foot) has been ruled out, per Mike Vrabel.

Boutte popped up on the injury report with the hamstring issue on Thursday and was limited in practice. The third-year wideout would be a significant loss if he’s not able to play, as Boutte has caught 33 passes for 551 yards (16.7 yards per reception) and six touchdowns, and the Patriots are already without veteran wideout Mack Hollins .

On Thursday, outside linebackers coach Mike Smith said it’d “be big” if the Patriots could get Landry (8.5 sacks) back. The edge rusher has been sidelined for the past two games, but returned to practice this week. Smith said the captain’s presence with the team hasn’t wavered.

“He never missed a day. He was here in meetings like he was preparing,” Smith said. “He had all his notebooks out and different colored pens and all that stuff. It’s just big for the room.

“To see him out there running around (at practice) makes you feel better as a coach, feeling more comfortable knowing you got one of your best players coming back ... just his presence, man. It’s big.”

Vrabel’s injury report contained some good news, too, as leading tackler Robert Spillane is ready to roll. The middle linebacker missed New England ’s final four games, but still finished with 97 tackles.

“It means everything to be out there,” Spillane said. “Obviously, you want to be a factor in these games. So that’s the major goal this week. Get healthy, be a good teammate, do whatever I can to be out there on Sunday.

“...That’s why you put in all the work for years and years and years to get those chances. So to come out here (during the playoffs) is everything to me.”

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