The New England Patriots are heading to East Rutherford without two key starters.
On Thursday, the team ruled out four players. Those players are LB Ja’Whaun Bentley (shoulder), OT Vederian Lowe (knee), G Sidy Sow (ankle), and EDGE Oshane Ximines (knee). The Patriots also listed C David Andrews (hip), OL Mike Onwenu (wrist), S Jabrill Peppers (shoulder), and DL Deatrich Wise Jr. (shoulder) as questionable.
Left tackle Vederian Lowe and left guard Sidy Sow will not make the trip to New Jersey as both have been ruled out for Thursday Night Football. Sow hasn’t practiced since the start of the regular season. He suffered an ankle injury in the preseason finale against the Washington Commanders.
In his place, guard Michael Jordan has started. Jordan recently signed up for the active roster and is projected to make his third start this Thursday. In addition, Lowe suffered a knee injury in the Patriot’s 23-20 loss against the Seattle Seahawks. Rookie Caedan Wallace is expected to make his first career start and protect Jacoby Brisett’s blindslide.
After leaving the team last week, the Patriots recently placed veteran Chuks Okorafor on the Exempt/left squad list. Okorafor and general manager Eliot Wolf have been in contact, but it’s unclear if the veteran tackle will play again this season.
Moving on to the defense, the Patriots will be without Ja’Whaun Bentley after he exited last Sunday’s game. He was diagnosed with a torn pec and will be out for an extended period. Raekwon McMillan took over as the MIKE linebacker and is projected to start again this weekend.
In addition, the Patriots have placed pass-rusher Oshane Ximines on the injured reserve with a knee injury. He’s only played 14 snaps in the last two weeks, and the Patriots are finding success with Keion White and Josh Uche on the edge.
The Jets have listed EDGE Jermaine Johnson (Achilles) as out and LB C.J. Mosley (toe) as questionable. The Patriots should have an easier time navigating their offense without two key players for the Jets’ defense.
The New England Patriots could still announce practice-squad elevations as they will have until 4 p.m. ET on Thursday to do so.
Thursday Night Football will kick off at MetLife Stadium at 8:15 p.m.
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.
