Patriots "highly optimistic" that Danny Amendola plays Sunday

The New England Patriots "remain highly optimistic" that wide receiver Danny Amendola will play this weekend against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to Jeff Howe with the Boston Globe. Amendola has missed three straight games since suffering a second quarter groin injury against the Buffalo Bills during kickoff weekend. A gutty performance, Amendola played through the injury and posted ten receptions for 104 yards receiving in New England's comeback win over the Bills, including two nice receptions to sustain drivers in the second half.

Amendola was limited all week but concluded Friday's practice with expressed optimism that he'll play.

"Had a good day today," he said. "Had a good practice, ran around, made some plays and looking forward to Sunday, so we'll see."

As to whether that meant he was going to play on Sunday, Amendola replied, "Had a good day today, so we'll see what tomorrow's like and go from there."

However, it appears increasingly unlikely that tight end Rob Gronkowski plays, with Howe tweeting that the Patriots are "highly pessimistic" about his chances on Sunday.