Every team across the NFL has to deal with roster overflow on game day and, because of that, has to often decide which players will have to be healthy scratches. The Patriots have dealt with that a lot this season, with some questionable decisions made regarding who they chose to keep on the bench for various games.
That appears to be the case with the release of their inactives report for their game against the Colts on Sunday, as three players will not be suiting up for the Week 13 game. Seeing wide receiver K.J. Osborn on the list has become customary in recent weeks, and we have yet to see Lester Cotton participate in a game for New England.
But the decision to scratch safety Marte Mapu caught the eye of most fans and reporters when the list was released, especially since he has been performing well in Jabrill Peppers' absence and, in some cases, better than starter Kyle Dugger.
Patriots inactives
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) December 1, 2024
Marte Mapu (healthy scratch)
K.J. Osborn (healthy scratch)
Lester Cotton (healthy scratch)
Jaquelin Roy (neck)
Titus Leo (healthy scratch)
Joe Milton III (3rd QB)
While Peppers' return likely plays a role in the decision, there are not many other reasons to support keeping Mapu off the field. He was given the green dot while the veteran was on the Commissioner's exempt list, meaning he was one of the few players with the defensive coordinator in his ear, seemingly being entrusted with how the secondary was working on game day.
Because the secondary has been collectively struggling, besides Christian Gonzalez, having Mapu available would have been crucial to today's game. There's a lot on the line against the Colts beyond just hoping to add another win to the season, so it doesn't make a lot of sense to rule him out.
How they'll be able to perform in his absence will surely be worth watching throughout the game. Let's hope it won't be too bad.