The New England Patriots are about to kick off their 2024 season, which means it’s time for the first inactive analysis of the season.
The good news? All four questionable players will be active. Safety Jabrill Peppers (hip), Linebacker Joshua Uche (foot), Offensive Tackle Vederian Lowe (abdomen), and Running Back Antonio Gibson will all suit up in Cincinnati and play in Week 1.
On the flip side, OG Sidy Sow (ankle), WR Javon Baker, OT Zachary Thomas, OT Demontrey Jacobs, LB Curtis Jacobs, DT Eric Johnson, and QB Joe Milton are all inactive.
The one surprise is that fourth-round draft pick Javon Baker will be a healthy scratch this week. Baker hasn’t had the greatest summer and struggled with drops at the end of training camp. Furthermore, he had a strange social media fiasco, shortly condemned by head coach Jerod Mayo. DeMario Douglas and K.J. Osborn are expected to lead the workload for the Patriots, with Ja’Lynn Polk, Tyquan Thornton, and Kayshon Boutte behind on the depth chart. Thornton is scheduled to get several snaps at X, while Douglas is expected to get them in the F and Polk at the Z.
In addition, Antonio Gibson will be healthy enough to be active against the Bengals and work behind Rhamondre Stevenson in the backfield. Gibson should offer support in the passing game. The biggest concern for the Patriots is their offensive line. Without Sidy Sow, the Patriots line is expected to be LT Chuks Okorafor, LG Michael Jordan, C David Andrews, RG Layden Robinson, and RT Mike Onwenu.
Conversely, the Patriots are catching a huge break with WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) not playing. In addition, Ja’Marr Chase is active, although some have reported that his workload will be monitored even though he’s active.
The kickoff between the Patriots and Bengals is set for 1 p.m. The Patriots are entering the game as a 7.5-point underdog, per ESPN.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
