Patriots Daily: Jabrill Peppers Downgraded to Out for Sunday

On Friday, the New England Patriots listed 13 players on their game status report with various injuries. The news worsened this morning when safety Jabrill Peppers (shoulder) was downgraded from questionable to out against the Miami Dolphins. With 12 others still having availability in question for Sunday’s game, injuries are becoming an even bigger concern for a team that simply cannot afford them.

LB Sione Takitaki (knee) started the season on PUP and is doubtful for Week 5. Aside from Peppers, 11 others are questionable for the game, indicating a 50-50 chance of playing. WR K.J. Osborn (shoulder) and S Kyle Dugger (knee) have not participated in practice this week. However, they are listed as questionable despite a series of DNPs.

Others listed as questionable for New England were: WR Kendrick Bourne (knee), OT Vederian Lowe (knee), OG Michael Jordan (ankle), OG Layden Robinson (ankle/wrist), C Nick Leverett (ankle), LB Anfernee Jennings (shoulder), CB Jonathan Jones (shoulder). CB Marcus Jones (groin), and S Marte Mapu (calf).

Areas of Concern

The offensive line’s injuries are cause for concern. The Patriots placed David Andrews and Caedan Wallace on injured reserve yesterday. The only offensive linemen on the 53-man roster without injury concerns heading into Week 5 are OT Demontrey Jacobs, LG Sidy Sow (who missed the first three games), RT Mike Onwenu, and OG Zach Thomas.

With Jabrill Peppers out and Kyle Dugger not practicing all week, New England playing without their starting safeties appears a real possibility. If the Patriots activate Marte Mapu from PUP, he could have an immediate role on the defense. Jaylinn Hawkins and Dell Pettus are the healthy safeties on the Patriots roster. Mark Perry could be elevated from the practice squad, though those spot might need to be reserved for offensive linemen.

Miami Dolphins Report

The Dolphins injury report wasn’t nearly as lengthy. Starting safety Jordan Poyer (shin) was ruled out. QB Skylar Thomas (ribs), WR Odell Beckham Jr. (knee), and CB Cam Smith (hamstring) are all questionable.

Also in Saturday’s Patriots Daily:

Patriots Fact/Trivia of the Day

Excluding the NFL strike season of 1987 when replacement players were used, the most offensive linemen to start at least one game for the New England Patriots in a season is 11 in 2011 (they had 14 in 1987). The NFL record is 15 by the 1987 Buccaneers, and the record for a non-1987 season is 14 by the 2022 Rams.

The Patriots have nine through four weeks in 2024: David Andrews, Demontrey Jacobs, Michael Jordan, Vederian Lowe, Chukwuma Okorafor, Mike Onwenu, Layden Robinson, Sidy Sow, and Caedan Wallace. That number will reach ten on Sunday, with a replacement needed for David Andrews at center.

Post of the Day

Syracuse Football with a game-winning overtime touchdown run by LeQuint Allen. Kept his legs pumping and wouldn’t be denied the W:

LeQuint would not be denied! 😤🎯 pic.twitter.com/66ZjFQb8LF

— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) October 5, 2024

More From Patriots Football Now

Hunter Henry Named a Team Captain for New England – The Patriots named Henry a replacement captain for David Andrews. The  nine-year NFL veteran was a team captain in 2023.

Patriots Place David Andrews and Caedan Wallace on IR – New England loses two offensive linemen. In Andrews’ case, his season is over. For Wallace, a return is still possible, though he’ll be gone for at least a while.

Unfortunately, Davante Adams to the Patriots Doesn’t Make Sense – The star wide receiver said he’d prefer the Raiders trade him. However, the Patriots are an unlikely landing spot. A team with so many needs and so little hope of contending in 2024 doesn’t need to add an unhappy 32-year-old to the locker room, either.

Dan Kelley’s Week 5 NFL Winners and Survivor Pool Picks – I’m 1-0 after Thursday Night Football. Just 13 more wins for a perfect Week 5. That also means the New England Patriots need to figure out a way to overcome their injuries and beat the Miami Dolphins.