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The New England Patriots will have key players inactive in tonight’s matchup against the Chicago Bears. However, starting quarterback Mac Jones will be active and is expected to start.
According to various reports, rookie backup Bailey Zappe is also expected to take snaps throughout the game. In Week 3, the sophomore quarterback exited the game with a severe high-ankle sprain. In week 4, Brian Hoyer started the game but left due to a concussion, and since it has been the fourth-round pick Bailey Zappe leading the Patriots. The rookie quarterback has thrown for 596 yards (51/70).
Key contributors OT Isaiah Wynn. Wynn was questionable due to a shoulder injury, and veteran tackle Marcus Cannon is set to take over at left tackle. In previous weeks Cannon had periodically filled in for Wynn when he was not playing well. The Patriots also elevated guard Bill Murray from the practice squad. The other backups include center James Ferentz and rookie Chasen Hines.
Defensive tackle Christian Barmore will also be OUT with a knee injury he suffered in Cleveland. Last week Barmore left the game in the first half with a knee injury after a third-down stop. He was down on the field for an extended period before leaving under his power. Rookie Sam Robert and Daniel Ekuale will have an increased workload due to the absence of Barmore.
Similarly, wideout Kendrick Bourne suffered a toe injury in Cleveland last week during the first snaps of the game. He did not return and has been questionable all week. Rookie Tyquan Thornton is expected to receive some of his workloads. Thornton had his debut last week after a stint on the IR. He found the endzone twice, and with a rushing touchdown tonight, he will be the first rookie wide receiver to score two rushing touchdowns in Patriots history.
Although the Patriots are missing key players, they will be getting back a couple of significant contributors tonight, including veteran DL Lawrence Guy, RB Damien Harris, and CB Jonathan Jones. Guy should help strengthen the run defense. The Bears have the best rushing attack in the NFL, so that is a big addition.
Safety Joshuah Bledsoe and RB Kevin Harris are healthy scratches. In the absence of Cody Davis, newly added special teamer Raleigh Webb will make his debut.
The complete list of both team’s inactives.
Patriots:
DT Christian Barmore
S Joshuah Bledsoe
WR Kendrick Bourne
RB Kevin Harris
LB Josh Uche
CB Shaun Wade
OT Isaiah Wynn
Bears:
WR Isaiah Coulter
CB Lamar Jackson
DE Kingsley Jonathan
TE Jake Tonges
Former Patriots first-round pick N’keal Harry will make his season debut against his former team. When speaking on Harry before the game, Bears GM said, “He’s rehabbed well. He’s pushing hard to be ready to play as soon as possible.”:
The Patriots will kick off at 8:15 p.m on 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.
