The Patriots Have Ruled Out 2 Players For Thursday Night's Game
Yesterday at 05:17 PM
The New England Patriots have their first primetime game of the year tomorrow night as they take on their hated rivals, the New York Jets. Unfortunately, they'll be a few cards short of a full deck for the Thursday Night Football showdown.
On Wednesday, the Patriots ruled out starting offensive lineman Vederian Lowe and reserve guard Sidy Sow. They also listed starting center David Andrews and right tackle Mike Onwenu as questionable with various injuries.
Andrews has been their rock at center, starting all but three games over the past four years. Onwenu similarly has been a model of health, missing only three games in his five-year NFL career thus far.
Patriots Wednesday injury report and #NEvsNYJ game statuses: https://t.co/FEPqnrhNmqpic.twitter.com/57mm9DYnQ8
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 18, 2024
If it's any consolation, the New York Jets' defense has been so underwhelming through these first two games that they might not even need Lowe, Sow, Andrews or Onwenu to move the ball down the field efficiently.
The more pressing issue for the Patriots right now appears to be their pass defense, which gave up over 300 yards to Geno Smith in Sunday's loss despite completely shutting down the run.
A game that's close late in the second half probably doesn't favor the Patriots. So if they can get up a few scores early, they should be able to swing the upset against the Jets.
New England no doubt want revenge on the Jets for sending longtime head coach Bill Belichick out with a home loss in his final game at the helm. Ruining the Jets' home opener in primetime would feel pretty sweet and knocking them to the bottom of the AFC East for a few days at least would be a nice bonus.
Will the Patriots be able to pull out the win in spite of their injuries?
Related: Former Super Bowl-Winning Jets, Patriots Player Has Passed Away
