Several Patriots not expected to play in Week 1 preseason game vs. Panthers

The Patriots will begin their preseason by welcoming the Carolina Panthers to Gillette Stadium on Thursday night, giving the new coaching staff the first chance to truly evaluate where the roster is in their development.

It's expected to be a highly anticipated matchup, even if it is only a preseason game, particularly for the New England offense, which will be led by Jacoby Brissett to start. Drake Maye will reportedly get his turn, as well, and any healthy player should take the field at some point, according to Jerod Mayo.

Fortunately, the team is mostly healthy. However, there are at least eight players who have already been seen in the pregame process not suited up, presumably meaning they will not take part in tonight's matchup.

Evan Lazar of Patriots.com reported the players who remain on the PUP list (physically unable to perform) will not participate, and neither will DeMario Douglas and Marcus Jones, who have been dealing with minor injuries of their own.

Additionally, defensive players Joshuah Bledsoe and Marte Mapu don't appear to be game ready, along with Christian Barmore, who is still dealing with a medical issue.

One interesting development was the appearance of Matthew Judon, who has not participated much this week in preparation for tonight's game. He was, however, on the field for warmups and back to his usual routine of playing catch with the fans, and eventually changed into uniform.

Although he's not expected to play tonight, his outfit change suggests there's a chance we see the pass rusher get a few snaps in before the game is over.

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