It might be said every new NFL season, but it feels like this year is different with injuries. Countless stars have suffered something through the first five weeks of the season, with the Patriots becoming the fourth-most injured team in the entire league.
They are clearly going to be down some starters against the Jets on Sunday, most notably cornerback Carlton Davis, and it appears that their opponents are experiencing the injury blues, as well.
The Patriots are fortunate to have Christian Gonzalez back after missing the last two games, and it looks like things are working in their favor with Will Campbell and TreVeyon Henderson, who left last week's matchup with the Raiders before halftime.
The Jets, however, look like they'll be without some of their biggest playmakers this weekend, as for the second day in a row, they did not practice on Thursday, according to their latest injury report.
Major injury losses could prove to be devastating for the Jets' chances vs. the Patriots
In their Thursday update, the Jets said running back Breece Hall and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell didn't practice again. Given that usually means they won't suit up for the next game, it's fair to assume they won't be on the field on Sunday.
Mitchell looked well on his way to becoming an integral part of Geno Smith's offense, recording 9 receptions for 123 yards in the first two games. But then he suffered a finger injury that required surgery to repair it, and he's now considered week-to-week.
Hall has been more of a mainstay in New York since he was drafted in 2022, and that was expected to continue this year with his new quarterback. But that fell apart when he hurt his quad, and it appears to be more serious than they thought, since he has now missed consecutive practices.
Although he, too, is considered week-to-week, it's not looking good for him to be active for this week's matchup, which is a big plus for the Patriots' defense, who have been inconsistent at stopping the run.
Historically, they have been fine beating the Jets, and while there's plenty of optimism that this weekend will be the outcome, they're not necessarily a team to look over, especially after an impressive win over the Browns last week.
However, if they had Hall and Mitchell in their lineup, they would be a bit more intimidating, so the fact that they likely won't have them could set up another big game for the Patriots. Maybe not a 45-17 win like they had last week against the Raiders, but still a big win.
They would become the first team in the AFC East to have two wins against divisional opponents, which will help separate them from the Bills down the road. It's more important than many want to admit, and the Patriots need the win.
That makes losing Hall and Mitchell even more devastating for a Jets team that looks legitimately competitive. But taking away some of their best players certainly makes that harder to achieve.
It doesn't mean that the Patriots should overlook their backups, though.
The Patriots could get a big win over the Jets on Sunday, but they can't overlook their offense
Since joining the Jets roster four years ago, Hall has threatened the Patriots' defense with his impressive production as their primary backfield playmaker. And that's someone they always have to account for when playing New York.
Beyond Hall, they still have solid backups in Braelon Allen, who has already taken on a bigger role this year, and Isaiah Allen, who has shown explosive abilities over the past two years. That can be dangerous for a defense that has shown inconsistent tackling, as the Patriots have already shown.
They'll face even more trouble on the field, and potentially Omar Cooper Jr., who might return this weekend. Fortunately, New England will have Christian Gonzalez back, who will likely shadow Wilson, but that leaves Marcus Jones and others to cover the remaining players.
That includes tight ends, who were a problem last week when Brock Bowers came to town with the Raiders, even with Kenyon Sadiq possibly sitting out due to concussion protocol.
In his absence, Mason Taylor will have to step up. He doesn't seem like a threat, given how little he's been used in the first month of the season, but he could be used more when Sadiq is out. There's never a reason to overlook anyone, especially those being given an opportunity that he wouldn't otherwise have.
All this to say the Jets aren't an automatic win for the Patriots like they used to be. Their defensive effort against the Browns last week, in particular, is something they'll need to prepare for, and Geno Smith has been a problem the last two times they've played against him.
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