Sebastian Vollmer and Logan Mankins returned from injury and were able to practice with the Patriots. Vollmer missed the final five games of the season with an injured right foot while Mankins suffered a left knee injury in the Christmas Eve win over the Dolphins. This is HUGE news for the Patriots.
We all know the Patriots will only go as far as their offense takes them. The main this is being able to protect Brady, and with these two guys back (especially Mankins) that will make that job a lot easier. They are going to need them going against a hell of a pass rush that Denver has.
Beyond Brady though, I hope this means the Patroits can run the ball more. I know that sounds crazy with the offense they have, but I really liked the way Ridley has been running the ball, and since 2 out of the 3 best playmakers on offense are their TEs I would love to see them in a lot of two TE sets, maybe even using an extra offensive lineman. If they were able to pound the ball when they have a lead, or even just to take some pressure off Brady let him work off play-action.