New England Patriots 4 Downs Preview: Week 7 vs New York Jets

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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 10: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots celebrates after catching a 36 yard pass against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter in the game at Gillette Stadium on October 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

1st Down: Patriots shorthanded on offense

The New England Patriots have never been a team to avoid the injury bug. Every year it seems like a slew of important players are sidelined with various injuries, and this season is no different. They have already been forced to shuffle their offensive line around numerous times, the running back position has been unstable, and their receiving group keeps taking more and more hits to go along with their tight end chart as well.

When New England takes the field Monday night, they will do so without some top talent on offense. Josh Gordon will miss time with an ankle and knee injury, and tight ends Ryan Izzo (concussion) and Matt LaCosse (knee) won’t suit up either. Running back Rex Burkhead will also be inactive, as he is dealing with a foot injury. As of this writing, there is no word yet on Julian Edelman and Phillip Dorsett, but Edelman has suited up the last couple of weeks.

The New England Patriots will have to see some production from other players like Ben Watson, who is officially making his return to New England after briefly being released and then re-signed. Rookie receivers Jakobi Meyers and Gunner Olszewski will see more playing time than anticipated with Gordon out, and the kids will have to step up. Running backs Sony Michel and James White – who we’ll get to in a second here – will also have to be more productive against the tough Jets defense.

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