Patriots News
Week 1 Injury Report: Sidy Sow Out, Three Patriots Questionable
The New England Patriots released their first official injury report of the season on Friday, which included game statuses for Week 1. The Patriots had ten players on practice participation reports at various points this week. Only four remained on the latest update. This is good news for New England, who listed only one player as being out for Sunday.
Sidy Sow injured his ankle in the preseason finale against the Washington Commanders. He was a nonparticipant in practice this week. New England’s starting left guard is the lone player officially ruled out for Week 1 from the 53-man roster. Nick Leverett has filled in there with the first unit at practice. The Patriots also have Zach Thomas, recently claimed off waivers, capable of playing guard. Michael Jordan made the Patriots initial 53-man roster. He got cut the following day after Thomas was claimed off waivers. New England elevating Jordan from the practice squad is a possibility. Rookie Layden Robinson is expected to start at right guard.
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New England listed three players as questionable. This means there is a 50-50 chance of them being able to play. All three were limited in Thursday’s practice. This group consists of RB Antonio Gibson, OT Vederian Lowe, and LB Joshua Uche. Gibson (hip) and Uche (foot) seem to have a better chance of participating than Lowe. However, all three received the same designation, so that remains TBD.
Positive Injury Updates
Not all of the injury news was bad for the New England Patriots. Christian Elliss (concussion) came off the practice participation report on Thursday. Five others joined him on Friday. This means injury status should not keep any of those players out on Sunday.
Patriots deemed fit to play against the Cincinnati Bengals are TE Hunter Henry, DE Deatrich Wise Jr., LB Anfernee Jennings, LB Oshane Ximines, and CB Jonathan Jones.
Henry and Jones sat for significant time in training camp, with neither player appearing in a preseason game. Their returns come as great news for New England. While the availability of Wise, Jennings, and Ximines was less of a concern from the outside, confirmation of their availability is good for the Patriots. Those three are expected to provide a pass rush, especially if Uche is unavailable.
Cincinnati Bengals Injury Report
The Bengals have four players on their report, with two already ruled out. OT Amarius Mims (pectoral) and DT Kris Jenkins (thumb) will not be available on Sunday. Both rookies will wait at least another week to make their NFL debuts.
Wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) is listed as doubtful for the game. That gives Higgins only a 25% chance of playing. There were rumors of Higgins coming to New England in a trade over the offseason. After he stayed in Cincinnati on a one-year franchise tag, it appears he will now start the season sidelined.
Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase was listed as questionable for the game. Chase was a limited participant in practice as he attempted to get a new contract. Despite the designation, it seems unlikely Chase will miss the game against the New England Patriots.