It's a good news, bad news deal for the Patriots defense against the Bills for Monday night.
It appears linebacker Jamie Collins will return off injured reserve, while the unit will be down leading tackler Kyle Dugger, who remains on the COVID list.
Collins' agent, David Canter, tweeted: "Let’s gooooooo. He’s back! @gsefootball Jamie Collins" early Monday afternoon. And then after not practicing all last week it seemed very unlikely for Dugger to play, and then The Athletic's Jeff Howe reported the same on Monday.
Collins hasn't done all that much in his third stint with the team. In five games he has seven tackles, a sack and an interception, but he could easily turn it on in a hurry and be a difference-maker. Dugger has been outstanding of late, especially when it comes to covering opposing tight ends, so the defense will have to make that up.
With a win the Patriots will remain atop the AFC standings, while a loss would drop them back to No. 5.
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