Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
The Patriots are banged up and have a lengthy inactive report as they play their final game before their bye week. New England ruled out David Andrews (concussion), wide receiver DeVante Parker (knee), and Marcus Cannon (concussion) on Friday. However, Cannon was ultimately placed on the injured reserve and will be ineligible for the next four games.
The offensive line depth took a hit this week with Marcus Cannon heading to the IR. In addition, center David Andrews will be inactive for the second-straight week. However, the Patriots did get back swing tackle Yodny Cajuste. The starting line will likely be LT Trent Brown, LG Cole Strange, C James Ferentz, RG Mike Onwenu, and RT Isaiah Wynn. In addition, New England chose to elevate undrafted free agent Kody Russey for the second straight game as a depth piece. Last week the line had their worst game of the season, allowing a season-high six sacks.
Onto the offensive skill positions, the Patriots will be without veteran receiver DeVante Parker and running back Damien Harris. With Parker dealing with a knee injury, Meyers should continue to be the lead receiver, followed by Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne, and Tyquan Thornton. New England also elevated RB/WR Lynn Bowden, a versatile player who can provide his speed at both positions. Meanwhile, the Patriots promoted J.J. Taylor to their 53-man roster, and he will be active for the first time this season. Joining Taylor is Rhamondre Stevenson, and rookie Pierre Strong Jr. Rookie Kevin Harris is a healthy scratch.
Defensive lineman Christian Barmore was limited in practice all week and will miss Sunday’s contest with the Colts due to a knee injury he suffered in Week 6 against the Browns. The defensive line will be similar to last week, with Davon Godchaux, Carl Davis, Lawrence Guy, and Deatrich Wise contributing. The Patriots’ defense will be tested even without star running back Jonathan Taylor active. Rookie Sam Roberts will miss Sunday’s game but is a healthy scratch.
Safety Kyle Dugger returns to the secondary after missing last week with an ankle injury. Dugger has battled injuries all season but will help improve a ball-hawking defense. Dugger is one of five questionable players to be active today, along with running back Pierre Strong Jr. (hamstring), linebacker Josh Uche (hamstring), defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. (ankle), and cornerback Jack Jones (illness).
Patriots inactives
C David Andrews
DT Christian Barmore
S Joshuah Bledsoe
RB Damien Harris
RB Kevin Harris
WR DeVante Parker
DT Sam Roberts
CB Shaun Wade
Colts Inactives
CB Tony Brown
C Wesley French
RB Zack Moss
QB Matt Ryan
LB Grant Stuard
RB Jonathan Taylor
DT Chris Williams
The Colts will have Deon Jackson as their lead back, with Jonathan Taylor inactive. The recently-acquired running back Zack Moss will also be inactive after being traded to Indy from Buffalo. The Colts have elevated Phillip Lindsay and Jordan Wilkins from the practice squad to provide additional depth.
The Patriots and Colts kick off at 1:00 p.m on CBS. Read my Game preview here.
Subscribe to The patriots beat here to receive all updated information about the New England Patriots.
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.