Patriots CB Jason McCourty still hampered by groin injury, misses Wild Card game

Patriots cornerback Jason McCourty was ruled out ahead of Saturday’s Wild Card playoff game due to a lingering groin injury that’s forced him to miss five of the team’s last seven kickoffs. McCourty last suited up against Buffalo on Dec. 23, but played only four snaps before heading for the locker room. He was also limited to four snaps in his previous game appearance, the Pats’ 23-16 loss to Kansas City on Dec. 8.

McCourty was joined on the team’s inactives list by a host of regulars: quarterback Cody Kessler, running back Damien Harris, tight end Ryan Izzo, offensive linemen Jermaine Eluemunor and Korey Cunningham and defensive lineman Byron Cowart.

Nickelback Jonathan Jones (groin) played despite being limited in the team’s regular-season finale against Miami. Jones, who received a contract extension prior to the season, has become an integral part of the NFL’s best secondary, moving back and forth from slot corner to safety for much of the season.

Together, McCourty and Jones helped the Patriots finish second in the league with an average of 180.4 passing yards allowed per game. The Pats defense ranked first in points allowed, boosted by their elite pass coverage. Opponents completed fewer than 57 percent of their passes against McCourty and Co. during the regular season.

For Tennessee, wide receiver Adam Humphries was the most notable inactive player. Former Patriots wideout Cody Hollister was also ruled out.

McDaniels interviews set for Friday

Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has scheduled his upcoming head-coaching interviews for Friday, according to an NFL Network report.

The Giants, Panthers and Browns have all requested to speak with McDaniels. It is unclear which teams with which he’ll be speaking.

Coaches competing in the Wild Card round are permitted to speak with interested franchises only after their team has played. Interviews must be completed prior to the divisional round for coaches whose teams advance that far. McDaniels is among the hottest names on the head-coaching market.

Last season, he interviewed with the Packers, who opted to hire Matt LaFleur. The year before, McDaniels backed out of an agreement with the Colts to remain in New England.

Seymour waits until Super Bowl

Former Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymour must wait until Saturday, Feb. 1, to learn the fate of his Hall of Fame candidacy.

Seymour was one of 15 modern-era player finalists named for the 2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame class earlier this week. He spent eight seasons in New England after entering the league as a first-round pick of the Pats in 2001. Seymour totaled 57.5 sacks, 79 QB hits, four forced fumbles and eight fumble recoveries over his career.

He was also a 7-time Pro Bowler and made the All-Pro team five times. This is the second straight year Seymour has been named a finalist.

Five modern-era players will be elected in the 2020 class, including several former Patriot rivals: former Colts running back Edgerrin James, Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne, Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas and Steelers safety Troy Polamalu. Former Patriots cornerback Ty Law was elected to the Hall last year.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/2SQI0Ls