New England Patriots suffer huge injury blow ahead of AFC Championship game as one of their best players is ruled OUT

The New England Patriots have been dealt a major blow ahead of their highly-anticipated AFC Championship game on Sunday night. 

Just 48 hours before their clash with the Denver Broncos at Empower Field, it was revealed that linebacker Harold Landry had been ruled out due to a knee injury. 

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed the news at a press conference on Friday morning, revealing that the linebacker had not featured in practice this week. 

It’s a bitter blow for Patriots fans ahead of their first AFC Championship game since 2018, given that Landry was their regular season sack leader. 

Landry led the Patriots in sacks this season with 8.5 and, unfortunately for New England fans, will not have an opportunity to add to that tally on Sunday evening. 

Vrabel also revealed that wide receiver Mack Hollins, cornerback Carlton Davis III, and linebacker Marte Mapu are all questionable to feature against the Broncos. 

In a welcome boost for New England, however, they will take on Denver’s backup quarterback, Jarrett Stidham, after Bo Nix suffered a brutal ankle break last time out. 

On his Instagram account on Wednesday, Nix broke his silence regarding the brutal injury gave thanks to all the well wishers while sharing his thoughts.

‘The last few days have been hard to put into words,’ Nix began his message.

‘What started as one of the most exciting games I’ve ever been a part of ended with some of the most devastating football news I’ve ever received. 

‘This is not how I imagined my season would come to an end, but our season has been defined by overcoming adversity and responding to it.

‘I can’t express how much this team and organization mean to me and how much I believe in them. I couldn’t be more proud of our guys. I couldn’t be more confident in Jarrett. And I couldn’t be more excited for what’s next.

‘Thank you all for the kind words, love and support over the last few days. Thankful for my trainers, Beau, Vince and Dr. Waldrop for taking great care of me.

‘God never says oops, and he is always good. He has big plans for this team. We’re not finished, as a matter of fact we’re just getting started. We’re just going to keep climbing higher. Go Broncos.’

Nix’s injury came as a shock to the football world – especially because it wasn’t immediately apparent when the break in his ankle occurred until after the game had finished. 

After the injury to Nix, Denver signed free agent quarterback and CBS Sports analyst Ben DiNucci to fill the gap in their roster. 

The Broncos have not contested an AFC Championship game since 2015, when they went on to win Super Bowl 50.

Incidentally, that AFC Championship game came against the Patriots – when Denver’s strong defense intercepted Tom Brady’s game-tying two-point conversion attempt with 17 seconds left to end the game in a 20-18 Broncos victory.