Super Bowl 46 Injury Report
Written by Steve Janus
The New England Patriots and New York Giants are set to face off in Super Bowl XLVI. Both teams had their hands full in the Conference Championship Games. New England avoided overtime thanks to a Ravens 32-yard missed field goal with just seconds left in regulation, while the Giants capitalized on a 49ers fumbled punt return to set up a game winning field goal in overtime. The players on both teams will benefit from the extra week off to recover and regroup for the biggest game of the season.
It’s always important to look at what kind of injuries each team suffered in the previous game and if anything new pops up from practice. Here is a quick look at the injury report for both teams. Keep in mind that there is plenty of time before kickoff, so be sure to stay up to date.
New York Giants
Chase Blackburn, Middle Linebacker – Blackburn is the only player who played in the NFC Championship Game that is currently listed on the Giants injury report. Blackburn suffered a shoulder injury and is listed as questionable. This would be a big loss for the Giants, as he led the team with 7 tackles against the 49ers.
Mark Herzlich, Linebacker – Herzlich has been out of commission since spraining his ankle back in week 12 against the Saints. He is currently listed as questionable. The Giants would like to have him back, but I don’t think he is all that valuable against the pass-happy Patriots.
Da’Rel Scott, Running Back – Scott hyperextended his knee in week 17 against the Cowboys, which forced him to the Giants three playoff games. As long as Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs stay healthy, not having Scott wouldn’t hurt the Giants chances of winning the game.
Injured Reserve:
Stacy Andrews, Offensive Tackle
William Beatty, Offensive Tackle
Michael Clayton, Wide Receiver
Michael Coe, Cornerback
Justin Tryon, Cornerback
Terrell Thomas, Cornerback
Jonathan Goff, Linebacker
Marvin Austin, Defensive Tackle
Domenik Hixon, Wide Receiver
New England Patriots
Rob Gronkowski, Tight End – Gronkowski suffered what looked like a devastating ankle injury in the AFC Championship Game. However, he was able to return to the game. As of right now Gronkowski is listed as probable with full intentions on playing. This is definitely and injury to keep up on. New England’s offense would not be the same without him on the field.
Chad Ochocinco, Wide Receiver – Ochocinco had to miss the AFC Championship Game due to the death of his father. He is expected to be back and available for the Super Bowl, but he hasn’t exactly found his place in the offense. You never know what the Patriots have up their sleeve. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Ochocinco made a couple big catches against the Giants.
Kyle Arrington, Cornerback – Arrington was forced out of the AFC Championship Game with an eye injury and was not able to return to the field. He is listed as questionable. The Patriots secondary isn’t very good to start with, and not having Arrington would make things even harder on them. This is another injury worth keeping up on as it gets closer to game time.
Sebastian Vollmer, Offensive Tackle – Vollmer hasn’t played since suffering a back injury in week 12. There is a chance he could be available for the Super Bowl, as he is currently listed as questionable. His return would only be significant if the Patriots suffered multiple injuries at offensive tackle during the game.
Shane Vereen, Running Back – A hamstring injury has kept Vereen out of the lineup late in the year. He is listed as questionable for the Super Bowl. It’s hard to imagine Vereen having much of an impact even if he does play, but you just never know with the Patriots.
Injured Reserve List:
Andre Carter, Linebacker
Jermaine Cunningham, Linebacker
Jeff Tarpinian, Linebacker
Josh Barrett, Defensive Back
Ras-I Dowling, Defensive Back
Mike Wright, Defensive End
Myron Pryor, Defensive Tackle
Dan Koppen, Center
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