The Patriots will kick off in less than 90 minutes in a crucial AFC East matchup, and fortunately, they’re getting back key players.
For the first time this season, the inactive list is all healthy scratches, a good sign for the Patriots’ health exiting from their bye week. All three questionable players are slated to play: veteran center David Andrews (concussion), running back Damien Harris (illness), and wide receiver DeVante Parker (knee). However, New England did place two key players on the injured reserve earlier in the week. Punter Jake Bailey (back) and defensive lineman Christian Barmore (knee) will both miss the next four games.
Andrews suffered a concussion in Week 7, and the offensive line has been struggling without him. The offensive line has been shifting around the past two weeks, with Isaiah Wynn and Cole Strange being periodically benched. The projected O-line should be LT Trent Brown, LG Cole Strange, C David Andrews, RG Mike Onwenu, and RT Yodny Cajuste. With Andrews’ return, it will be interesting to see if Strange performs as he did earlier in the season.
For the running backs, Harris will lighten the load on sophomore running back Rhamondre Stevenson. Stevenson has played a huge role in New England’s offense and has played 75% of offensive snaps in games where Harris is inactive. The Patriots should go back to their signature one-two punch, where both backs are featured in various roles. Stevenson will still have a significant role in the offense, but Harris can contribute on early downs to keep him fresh.
Onto the receiver group, starting receiver, DeVante Parker returns after suffering a knee injury in Week 8. Tyquan Thornton and Kendrick Bourne have taken on more snaps, but it hasn’t resulted in many productions from the two. The pair can be lethal when Parker and Mac Jones are on the page. Parker’s presence should also provide more opportunities for Thornton.
For the Jets, the damage was done earlier in the week when they announced receiver Corey Davis and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins would be inactive. Unfortunately, there aren’t any other surprises to the Jets list.
Both teams’ inactive lists can be seen below.
Patriots inactives
S Joshuah Bledsoe
RB Kevin Harris
DT Sam Roberts
RB J.J. Taylor
CB Shaun Wade
Jets inactives
S Tony Adams
WR Corey Davis
QB Joe Flacco
CB Bryce Hall
RB Zonovan Knight
DT Sheldon Rankins
TE Kenny Yeboah
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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.
