Patriots dealt bad hand with 3 players already ruled out for 49ers matchup
The Patriots are on the road to Santa Clara this afternoon, preparing to take on perhaps the toughest opponent on their schedule yet: the San Francisco 49ers. It's quite a tall task coming off a disappointing loss to the Jets on Thursday Night Football last week, a game in which their opponent dominated all three phases.
The hope is to use their upcoming matchup in the NFC West to get back on track, much in the way they were able to shockingly beat the Bengals in the season opener.
The problem is that the 49ers are hoping to do the same, as they have also begun the year with an unexpected 1-2 record. However, that won't be as easy as one would predict this weekend, with a list of crucial injuries to some of their best players not taking the field on Sunday.
It looks like the Patriots might get lucky in that regard, with RB Christian McCaffrey placed on injured reserve last week and WR Deebo Samuel dealing with a calf injury that is reportedly set to keep him out for a few more weeks.
San Francisco is also monitoring injuries to TE George Kittle, a mainstay in their offense for the last eight years, and rising young quarterback Brock Purdy, who returned to practice this week after suffering a back injury in Week 3.
The Patriots were fortunate to have a few of their most important players back at practice ahead of this matchup, as well, but they have already ruled out two starting offensive linemen, which doesn't bode well for their chances against star pass rusher Nick Bosa, a player the coaching staff has already emphasized will be a problem.
OUT | QUESTIONABLE | REMOVED FROM LIST |
|---|---|---|
CB Alex Austin | LB Anfernee Jennings | CB Christian Gonzalez |
G Michael Jordan | CB Jonathan Jones | TE Hunter Henry |
T Vederian Lowe | G Sidy Sow | G MIchael Onwenu |
T Caedan Wallace | S Jabrill Peppers |
In the absences of Michael Jordan and Vederian Lowe, the Patriots are reportedly expected to elevate Demontrey Jacobs and/or Caleb Jones. They are also hopeful that Sidy Sow will finally return to the lineup after suffering an ankle injury in the final preseason game of the summer.
Sow's return would be a significant help on the offensive line no matter where he lines up, but especially if he can hold down the right side as the tackle to allow Onwenu back in position at right guard.
As the weakest group on the offense holding back the entire operation, the offensive line could use this game as a way to show they can manage the task at hand and be a more reliable group for the rest of the way, especially with chatter suggesting Drake Maye might be taking over under center sooner rather than later.
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