Patriots inactives list for Week 8 game against the Jets

Just five weeks ago, the Patriots suffered their first blowout loss to the season in their first AFC matchup of the year against the New York Jets. It prompted countless coverage of Aaron Rodgers "looking like his MVP self again," and the quarterback was well on his way to taking his team to the Super Bowl.

It was also the first glimpse we got of Drake Maye in the NFL, and although it was far from impressive, things have dramatically changed for both teams in the past month.

The Jets fired their head coach and reunited Davante Adams with Rodgers in hopes of putting their offense over the top, while the Patriots have named Maye the starting quarterback and continue to deal with consistent negative coverage and rumors about the state of the franchise.

Neither team is having a good season thus far, with the Patriots holding a 1-6 record and the Jets with a 2-5 record. The hope is that this Week 8 matchup will put the winner back on track. It's a good opportunity for either team to do so since the other is struggling more than thriving.

But the hope is it will be Maye and the Patriots who will add their first home win to their season and bring some positivity back to the locker room after a chaotic year so far.

Full Inactives List for the New England Patriots

*List will be updated once official inactives report is released

Key Absences and Their Impact

Offensive Impact

The first time, the absence of rookie wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk would have felt more significant if he had been more prominent in the offense through the first seven games of the season. He flashed during training camp and preseason and has made some impressive efforts through the regular season, but missed opportunities and drops have plagued him so far, making his absence not as dire as it would be with others on the roster.

Because he is out with a concussion this week, the hope is he won't miss more than just this week's game.

Defensive impact

Although Kyle Dugger was removed from the injury report and was a full participant during practice, he was put back on the list on Saturday as he continues to deal with an ankle injury.

There's no indication of if he further injured his ankle or if the addition to the report is more precautionary, but it would be a big loss for the Patriots if Dugger cannot play against the Jets. They're already down Jabrill Peppers, so losing another defensive captain would create an absolute mess.

Special teams impact

Special teams ace Brenden Schooler was unexpectedly added to the injury report on Saturday and was reportedly said to be dealing with an illness. If he is unable to suit up for the Patriots this week, the third unit will take a massive hit in production.

The legendary Matthew Slater mentored Schooler and has been instrumental in the Patriots' efforts to reestablish a solid special teams unit. Without him on the field on Sunday is the last thing the team needs right now.

Full Inactives List for the New York Jets

*List will be updated once official inactives report is released

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