The New England Patriots open their season against the Las Vegas Raiders at 1 p.m. this Sunday. Unfortunately, they’ll be without one of their top players: cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who was ruled out earlier in the week with a hamstring injury.
Joining Gonzalez on the inactive list are CB Charles Woods (groin), OLB Anfernee Jennings, WR Efton Chism III, G Caedan Wallace, and DT Eric Gregory. Rookie QB Tommy DeVito is listed as the emergency third quarterback.
There is some good news, though. First-round pick Will Campbell is set to make his debut after being cleared to play. Campbell was limited earlier in the week with an ankle injury and was spotted wearing a compression sleeve on Friday, but he’s officially active.
The Patriots’ projected offensive line features Campbell at LT, Jared Wilson at LG, Garrett Bradbury at C, Mike Onwenu at RG, and Morgan Moses at RT. With four new starters, the line will be tested immediately against All-Pro pass rusher Maxx Crosby. Swing tackle Marcyus Bryant is also expected to see snaps, with veteran Vederian Lowe behind him. Third-year center Ben Brown slots in as the top interior backup.
At wide receiver, undrafted rookie Efton Chism III won’t suit up despite making the 53-man roster. He’s been dealing with a knee issue and was buried on the depth chart anyway, given the Patriots’ depth at the position. Today, expect DeMario Douglas to work the slot with Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, and Kyle Williams on the outside.
Defensively, the absence of Gonzalez looms large. He hasn’t practiced since July 28, leaving veteran addition Carlton Davis and Alex Austin to handle outside corner duties. Newly named captain Marcus Jones will play nickel, as the Patriots prepare to face a dangerous Raiders passing attack led by star tight end Brock Bowers. Bowers, who set an NFL record with 112 catches last season, was named an All-Pro. Rookie corner D.J. James could also see some action.
A mild surprise is Anfernee Jennings being inactive. The edge rusher struggled in preseason and will need to fight to earn his spot back. Expect Harold Landry, K’Lavon Chaisson, Keion White, and undrafted rookie Elijah Ponder to rotate at linebacker.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. The game will air on CBS and locally on WBZ-TV Channel 4.
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.
