Patriots List Inactives for Raiders Game

The New England Patriots have list their official inactive list for today’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Most notable among the listings is Malik Cunningham being listed as the backup quarterback for New England. This leaves Bailey Zappe as the emergency (third) QB and Will Grier as inactive.

Complete list of New England Patriots inactive players:

• QB Bailey Zappe (emergency quarterback)
• WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
• QB Will Grier
• OL Riley Reiff
• OL Cole Strange
• WR Kayshon Boutte
• WR Demario Douglas

Patriots inactives. pic.twitter.com/4A7KlKlJXP

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 15, 2023

The absences of wide receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Demario Douglas does not come as a surprise. Both have been on concussion protocol all week after suffering injuries in last weekend’s loss to the Saints. It is surprising to see Kayshon Boutte inactive given the lack of depth at wide receiver for the New England Patriots. Perhaps Tyquan Thornton will be given his first action of the year.

It is also possible that Malik Cunningham, listed as the backup quarterback, could see time at wide receiver. Offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien stated earlier in the week that Cunningham was one of the most improved practice squad players on the team, but has been mostly playing wide receiver.

With both Cole Strange and Riley Reiff out once again, the offensive line will once again have its hands full trying to protect QB Mac Jones.

The New England Patriots take on the Las Vegas Raiders at 4:05 PM EST today.