Patriots Daily: Who Will Play in Preseason Opener vs. Carolina?

The New England Patriots kick off their preseason schedule tonight by hosting the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium. It will be the first game action for Jerod Mayo as New England’s head coach. It also marks the first NFL game action for 19 rookies on the Patriots’ 90-man roster. Mayo stated all players able to play will play. It is unclear which players will be deemed unable to go, or how much playing time guys will get.

Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, offensive guard Cole Strange, and linebacker Sione Takitaki remain on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list for New England. Those three will not suit up to play Carolina. In addition, Christian Barmore remains out for the Patriots following his blood clot diagnosis. There is no timetable for his return. Others who were missing from practice this week include Chukwuma Okorafor, Marcus Jones, and Marte Mapu. Rookie OT Caedan Wallace also received treatment at Tuesday’s practice. It’s unlikely New England risks playing any of the banged-up players with a 90-man roster at their disposal.

The Carolina Panthers haven’t made a statement about the availability of their players for tonight’s game, but starting quarterback Bryce Young will not play. Carolina selected Young No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft after trading a huge package to Chicago to acquire the pick. Young struggled in his rookie season, leading the Panthers to the NFL’s worst record. Reports indicate that he has looked better in training camp this season. Perhaps the Panthers do not want to risk affecting his confidence or risking injury if they are making positive progress in camp.

Patriots Football Now will have extensive coverage of the preseason opener throughout the day, during the game, and following up on everything afterward.

Also in Thursday’s Patriots Daily:

Patriots Fact of the Day

Among the New England Patriots’ 19 rookies are four wide receivers, two tight ends, and a running back. Here are the Patriots rookie receiving records for all three positions:

Receptions
RB: Robert Edwards, 1998 (35)
WR: Terry Glenn, 1996 (90)
TE: Aaron Hernandez, 2010 (45)

Receiving Yards
RB: Robert Edwards, 1998 (331)
WR: Terry Glenn, 1996 (1,132)
TE: Russ Francis, 1975 (636)

Receiving Touchdowns
RB: Four Tied (2)
WR: Jim Colclaugh, 1960 and Randy Vataha, 1971 (9)
TE: Rob Gronkowski, 2010 (10)

Post of the Day

Taking the time machine back one year as Malik Cunningham gets New England Patriots fans excited in the team’s 2023 preseason opener:

MALIK CUNNINGHAM JUKES A GUY OUT OF HIS SHOES AND POUNDS IT INTO THE END ZONE FOR THE SCORE! pic.twitter.com/p6T5tce99B

— Ben Brown 🌻 (@BenBrownPL) August 11, 2023

Tucker Addington In, Jake Andrews to IR –New England signed long snapper Tucker Addington to the 90-man roster. Second-year offensive lineman Jake Andrews’ season is over, as the Patriots placed him on injured reserve. Addington could fill in for Joe Cardona during the preseason to lessen the veteran’s workload.

Should Mayo Have Announced Patriots Starting QB Before Camp? – Head coach Jerod Mayo said there would be a quarterback compeitition in camp to determine the starter. However, Jacoby Brissett appears to have had the nod all along. Would it have benefited rookie Drake Maye if Mayo had simply announced Brissett as his QB1 before camp?

Aiyuk Rumors Could Create Unhappy Campers in New England – The Patriots did not land San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. However, the reports of trying to trade for him may have ruffled a few feathers. This includes Kendrick Bourne, who was reportedly part of the Patriots offer.

Boston Bruins

Boston Hockey Now – The Boston Bruins are in a down period. The NHL Draft and the first wave of free agency has passed. Training camp has yet to arrive. But there is still plenty happening, from new uniform numbers to trade rumors, and BHN has it all covered.

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