Patch Patriots Roundup: Thursday Night Football Minus Turkey

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Another divisional opponent is set to roll through Foxborough when the Buffalo Bills take on the Patriots on Thursday Night Football.

With Josh Allen nursing an elbow injury, Bill Belichick will be tasked with trying to force him into uncomfortable throws in more ways than one. Allen was a full participant at practice so far this week, and hasn't missed a snap in the weeks since his injury.

Here's what to know ahead of this divisional matchup.

Josh Allen Spoke On Injury

The biggest story surrounding this game, and one of the biggest stories surrounding the AFC East, is the status of Allen's injury.

He spoke to playing through the reported UCL injury last week, downplaying its significance.

"We’re 8-3. That's it. I'm out there," Allen said, according to Sporting News. "If anybody says they're playing injury-free in this league, they’re probably lying to you. Everybody’s battling injuries, battling bumps and bruises. If I’m going to be the guy that I think I am, I say I am and my teammates think I am, (then) I've got to go be that guy, so that's all there is to it."

Mac Jones Airs It Out

Jones has had a bit of a crazy year. The ankle injury that sidelined him early this season led to many calling for his job, and his performance took some time to rebound.

It did on Thanksgiving, however.

Jones threw for a career-high 382 yards in the Thursday loss to the Vikings, perhaps signaling a step forward for the Patriots passing game.

Of course, this is New England, and there are no moral victories.

Here's what Jones said postgame.

Matthew Judon Contract Restructure

The star pass rusher restructured his deal ahead of Thursday's game, which clears up over $2 million in cap space for the Patriots.

These restructured deals don't always signal a bigger move, but the extra space could mean the Patriots have their eye on a late-season addition. Though the Patriots receiver room is crowded, those options haven't performed particularly well this offseason. One name still on the market is Will Fuller, for example.

Injuries have also played a part in the Patriots season, so offensive line or defensive secondary could be options if they do decide to add to the roster.

Playoff Odds

Two weeks ago in this column Patch reported that the Patriots' playoff odds looked bleak, but acknowledged that things in the NFL change fast.

Though the Patriots' playoff odds haven't moved from 18 percent according to ESPN's Power Index, the Patriots are currently one game out of a Wild Card spot, just below the New York Jets.

A win against the Bills would, obviously, go a long way in upping the Pats chances. Again, however, there's a lot of football to be played.

Odds and Ends

• Kickoff: Thursday, Dec. 1, 8:15 p.m.
• Network: Amazon Prime Video
• Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub
• Weather forecast: Mostly clear, with a low around 24. West wind 5 to 9 mph becoming light after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph.