| One of the biggest questions facing the Patriots is tight end Aaron Hernandez’s availability for Sunday’s game against the Seahawks. (US Presswire) |
Everything seemed to suggest that New England Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez was getting ready to play this week against the Seattle Seahawks -- right up until it didn’t.
Hernandez, who suffered an ankle injury on the first series of a Week 2 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday and Thursday, and he was seen packing a travel bag for Seattle on Friday.
Looks like he’ll play, right? Well, maybe not.
When asked about Hernandez's status, coach Bill Belichick provided little insight.
“We’ll have to see how it goes,” Belichick said.
But Belichick did add that Hernandez could be a game-time decision. So, if Hernandez does make the trip, it seems that there’s better than an outside chance of him playing against the Seahawks.
But, adding to the intrigue, Hernandez wasn't seen at the start of Friday’s practice that was open to the media.
Some gamesmanship? Given the day off due to the cold and wet conditions? Just late coming out to the field?
Hernandez's status is anyone’s guess. This mystery likely won’t be unraveled until kickoff approaches.
Update: Hernandez didn't practice and is listed as probable for Sunday. Here's the rest of the injury report:
Out: S Steve Gregory (hip), LB Tracy White (foot). Questionable: RB Brandon Bolden (knee), DL Brandon Deaderick (ankle), WR Julian Edelman (hand), DL Justin Francis (ankle), TE Rob Gronkowski (hip), TE Aaron Hernandez (ankle), LB Dont'a Hightower (hamstring) TE Michael Hoomanawanui (concussion), OL Logan Mankins (calf/hip), OL Nick McDonald (shoulder), CB Sterling Moore (knee), RB Shane Vereen (foot), OL Sebastian Vollmer (back/knee), WR Wes Welker (ankle). Probable: DL Kyle Love (knee).
Nick Underhill covers the Patriots for MassLive.com. Follow him on Twitter @CBSPats or @Nick_Underhill.