Josh Allen will now have an even easier time vs. the Patriots in Week 7
It feels like a day hasn't passed by this season without lousy news coming out of New England ahead of the Patriots' upcoming game. Unfortunately, that's the same scenario just two days before they welcome the Buffalo Bills to Foxboro in Week 7.
As if facing the current most dominant team in the division in a week, they really need a win; the Patriots latest injury report just signaled to Josh Allen that he will have an even easier game on Sunday.
It's bad enough that the defense will be down Christian Gonzalez and Matthew Judon, but now New England has already ruled out edge rushers Josh Uche and Keion White, the two primary players expected to step up in Judon's absence.
With those two out, that puts a lot of pressure on guys like Ja'Whaun Bentley, Anfernee Jennings, and Deatrich Wise to bring some sort of semblance of a pass rush to slow Allen down as much as possible. It won't be an easy task, considering the quarterback is known for extending plays with his legs, and the Patriots haven't been historically successful in ensuring that doesn't happen.
One favorable aspect for the home team is that Buffalo will be down to just two running backs, James Cook and Latavius Murray, as Damien Harris was placed on injured reserve Friday morning. Hopefully, they'll be able to take advantage of a limited run game, especially in Harris' absence, since he would presumably be hoping for somewhat of a revenge game against his former team.
On top of Uche and White missing this game, offensive lineman Riley Reiff was also listed as out. Although that's not the end of the world, 16 players remain questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup, an another possible setback for a win-needy Patriots team.
- C David Andrews, Ankle
- DL Christian Barmore, Knee
- WR Kayshon Boutte, Hamstring
- OT Trent Brown, Chest
- DB Cody Davis, Knee
- WR Demario Douglas, Concussion
- S Kyle Dugger, Foot
- DL Trey Flowers, Foot
- DL Davon Godchaux, Ankle
- TE Hunter Henry, Ankle
- CB Jack Jones, Hamstring
- CB Jonathan Jones, Knee
- OL Mike Onwenu, Ankle
- WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, Concussion
- G Cole Strange, Knee
- CB Shaun Wade, Shoulder
The only other positive for the Patriots heading into this game is the Bills' announcement that defensive tackle Ed Oliver will not be making the trip, a big win for the Patriots offensive line and Mac Jones.
Oliver is a player that Belichick raved about earlier this week, citing him to be one of the best at his position in the league. So with him out, it gives the offensive line a sliver of hope with one of the toughest defenders sidelined for this game.