Week 1 Injury Report: Peppers Questionable, Patriots Elevate Two

The New England Patriots made one change to their Week 1 injury report on Saturday. They also elevated two practice squad players ahead of Sunday’s game in Cincinnati. Safety Julius Peppers joined the injury report, listed as questionable with a hip injury. The Patriots elevated offensive guard Michael Jordan and defensive lineman Trysten Hill from the practice squad.

Peppers’ absence would be a big blow to New England’s defense. He played the second-most defensive snaps on the team last season and finished as the No. 2 rated safety in the AFC by Pro Football Focus. It is perhaps an encouraging sign that safety A.J. Thomas was not a practice squad elevation. Jaylinn Hawkins and/or Dell Pettus would have larger roles if Peppers is unavailable. Peppers was not listed on the injury report all week. It is unclear how he injured his hip or the severity of the injury.

PATS PICK! @JabrillPeppers with the takeaway 🤫#NEvsPIT on Prime Video
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/0GJemAElFj pic.twitter.com/bLPuzJvpRk

— NFL (@NFL) December 8, 2023

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Michael Jordan and Trysten Hill made the New England Patriots’ initial 53-man roster but were cut the next day to make room for waiver claims. With starting left guard Sidy Sow already ruled out for the game, the Patriots might feel more comfortable having Jordan available Sunday, as he was with the team throughout the preseason.

The three players listed as questionable on Friday’s report did not have a change in status on Saturday. That leaves the status of RB Antonio Gibson, OT Vederian Lowe, and LB Joshua Uche unknown for the game. However, as with Peppers, perhaps not elevating players at their positions is a good sign of Gibson and Uche’s availability. New England has other potential tackles to replace Lowe if needed, which seems likely.

Cincinnati Bengals Injury Report

There was no change in anyone’s availability status for the Bengals side. OT Amarius Mims (pectoral) and DT Kris Jenkins (thumb) are listed as out. Wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) remains doubtful. The status of star wideout Ja’Marr Chase remained questionable, though the reason changed.

Chase has been either not participating or a limited participant throughout training camp. He remains unhappy about his contract situation heading into the regular season. This appeared to be the reason for Chase’s questionable status. Cincinnati added “illness” to the reasoning for his status on Saturday.

Ja’Marr Chase’s injury status now includes an illness for tomorrow’s game. He remains questionable.

— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) September 7, 2024

Many online were skeptical of Ja’Marr Chase being ill. Whether it is accurate or a contract ploy, no speculation will be made here. However, seeing Chase on the field Sunday against the New England Patriots feels more likely than a 50-50 questionable designation indicates. Stay tuned.