The Patriots are readying to begin the Drake Maye era with a lengthy list of players on the team's final injury report for Sunday's game vs. the Texans.
New England has ruled out RB Rhamondre Stevenson (foot) and listed the following players as questionable for Week 6: CB Isaiah Bolden (Hamstring), WR Kendrick Bourne (Knee), LS Joe Cardona (calf), S Kyle Dugger (ankle), LB Anfernee Jennings (shoulder), CB Marcus Jones (groin), C Nick Leverett (ankle), WR K.J. Osborn (shoulder), G Layden Robinson (Ankle/Wrist), LB Sione Takitaki (knee), and CB Marco Wilson (groin).
Starting with the offense, lead-back Rhamondre Stevenson was ruled out after missing all three practices this week due to a foot injury. Stevenson is managing a blow to the lower leg area. He told reporters following last Sunday's loss to the Dolphins that he took a helmet to his calf.
On Friday, head coach Jerod Mayo hinted that the Patriots would consider elevating running backs Kevin Harris or Terrell Jennings from the practice squad. The team also has Antonio Gibson, who started last week, and veteran JaMycal Hasty on the active roster. Without Stevenson, one would expect Gibson to shoulder most of the workload.
Elsewhere on the offense, the Patriots offensive line is trending in the right direction and could start the same five for the first time this season. With the line coming out of last week's game relatively healthy, New England's starting offensive line will likely be the following: LT Vederian Lowe, LG Michael Jordan, C Nick Leverett, RG Mike Onwenu, and RT Trey Jacobs.
Last week, those five posted a season-best pressure rate of 43.2% and paved the way for a franchise-record 7.9 yards per rush attempt. There are still areas this combination can improve, but it was a step in the right direction as the unit pivots to blocking for third-overall pick Drake Maye this week.
As for the defense, the big question mark injury-wise is starting safety Kyle Dugger. Dugger returned to practice earlier this week for the first time since suffering an ankle injury on Sept. 29. Dugger was a limited participant in the final two practices this week after being declared inactive during pregame against the Dolphins last Sunday.
Without their starting safety tandem last week, the Patriots leaned on several defenders to replace Dugger and Jabrill Peppers (exempt list) vs. Miami. Defensive backs Jaylinn Hawkins, Dell Pettus, and S/LB Marte Mapu played increased roles. Hawkins is already a regular contributor, while Mapu returned to the lineup from injured reserve to play every defensive snap as the primary signal-caller.
New England would welcome Dugger, a high-impact player on their defense, back with open arms. Most likely, Dugger would return to his usual hybrid role, with Hawkins remaining as a deep safety and Mapu playing his role as a box safety. Like with Peppers, those three should be able to play off each other well in the secondary.
The other possibility for the Patriots defense this week is free-agent addition Sione Takitaki's potential return. Takitaki is recovering from a knee procedure this offseason and could provide a boost for the linebacker level. Since losing captain Ja'Whaun Bentley to a season-ending injury, the run defense from the second level has been inconsistent. Takitaki is more known for playing against the pass, but he might need to step into a three-down role.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo spoke about a "renewed sense of energy" with rookie QB Drake Maye making his first career start. Mayo spoke earlier in the week about Maye's physical abilities elevating an offense that ranks 31st in scoring and last in passing yards. Although it's a lot to ask of a rookie in his first career start, it's also why Maye was the third overall pick last April.
The Patriots will host the Texans with kickoff at 1:00 pm ET at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.
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
