The Patriots are en route to the Meadowlands for a matchup with the Jets, and as always on a short week, New England goes into Thursday night's game with injury questions.
On Wednesday, the Patriots ruled out four players for Thursday night's showdown vs. the Jets: LB Ja'Whaun Bentley (shoulder), OT Vederian Lowe (knee), G Sidy Sow (ankle), and EDGE Oshane Ximines (knee). New England also listed C David Andrews (hip), OL Mike Onwenu (wrist), S Jabrill Peppers (shoulder), and DL Deatrich Wise Jr. (shoulder) as questionable.
Starting with the defense, captain Ja'Whaun Bentley will reportedly miss significant time due to a pectoral injury that could end his season. Along with being the primary on-field communicator, Bentley plays a key role in the middle of the defense, particularly against the run. Bentley's block deconstruction, ability to plug gaps, and power to take on ball carriers essentially add another defender on the line of scrimmage. Without the thumping linebacker, it could change those front mechanics. Bentley has also become an impact interior blitzer – it's a significant loss.
Last week, Raekwon McMillan took over as the early-down MIKE linebacker. McMillan logged two hurries as a blitzer in the loss to the Seahawks but also missed a tackle on a potential run stuff forced by RB Zach Charbonnet that led to a five-yard gain. McMillan is a capable backup, but replacing Bentley won't be easy, while head coach Jerod Mayo indicated that safety Kyle Dugger will wear the green dot moving forward. In Week 2, there were some communication breakdowns after Bentley's injury, so that's worth monitoring moving forward.
On the offensive line, it's a massive week for third-round draft pick Caedan Wallace. With the team ruling out starting left tackle Vederian Lowe (knee), Wallace is projected to start at left tackle against the Jets. The Patriots didn't hold a full practice this week, making it difficult to predict the starting line, but, again, that's the expectation: Wallace in for Lowe at left tackle, with the rest of the line staying the same (LT Wallace, LG Jordan, C Andrews, RG Robinson, RT Onwenu).
A lot is riding on Wallace being successful now and in the future. The 68th overall pick in last April's draft was selected to be a starter at one of the tackle spots. Most likely, right tackle will be his permanent home, but the Pats also hope Wallace could switch to the left side. Now, Wallace will be forced into the lineup at left tackle due to injury.
If the rookie is an upgrade over Lowe, that could go a long way toward settling down a line that ranks dead last in pass-blocking win rate through two games. Lowe ranks 57th out of 68 qualified tackles in Pro Football Focus's grading, allowing seven quarterback pressures in nearly two full games. Although you hate to put so much on a rookie, Wallace being a serviceable tackle would be huge. Furthermore, it would bring up discussions about him remaining in the starting lineup. So far, Wallace has mostly played a jumbo tight end role, holding his own as a run blocker. However, he only has two pass-blocking snaps.
It's fair to criticize the front office's plan for a bridge season at left tackle. Personnel chief Eliot Wolf signed veteran Chuks Okorafor to be a stop-gap. However, Okorafor was placed on the exempt list after leaving the team last week, with rumblings of a potential retirement and dissatisfaction about the career right tackle playing on the left side. Okorafor is not expected to return to the team, while Lowe gives great effort but is inconsistent with his technique. With their bridge tackles not available, it'll be trial by fire for Wallace on Thursday night.
Before moving over to the Jets, the Patriots defense will be without pass-rusher Oshane Ximines (knee). Ximines has played 14 snaps in the first two weeks, primarily in passing situations (10 snaps). New England still has hybrid DE Keion White, designated pass-rusher Joshua Uche, edge-setter Anfernee Jennings, and DL Deatrich Wise has been playing more as a standup edge rusher this season than in years past.
As for the Jets, New York listed star LB C.J. Mosley (toe) as questionable and EDGE Jermaine Johnson (Achilles) is officially out for Thursday night. According to reports, Johnson's injury is a season-ender. Without two key players in the front seven, it should make life easier on the Patriots run game. Mosley, in particular, has a Bentley-like impact against the run, while Johnson led the Jets with seven quarterback pressures in their first two games. Gang Green will turn to second-year EDGE Will McDonald IV, who had three sacks in their Week 2 win, and LB Jamien Sherwood to replace Mosley.
The next step for the Patriots roster will take place at 4 p.m. ET on Thursday. Due to the Thursday night game, practice squad elevations happen the day of the game rather than the day before. Therefore, we'll update you on any practice squad elevations on Thursday.
The Jets will host the Patriots at MetLife Stadium for Thursday Night Football in the Meadowlands, with kickoff at 8:15 p.m. ET.
DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer
