Two Out and Seven Patriots Questionable vs. the Bears

The New England Patriots announced their players’ game status for this Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears. Unfortunately for New England, there was not a lot of good for a pair of Patriots who have not participated in practice this week. Safety Kyle Dugger and linebacker Christian Elliss were ruled out for Week 9.

Dugger is dealing with an ankle injury and will miss his third consecutive game. He sat out games in recent games against the Jets and Titans as well. It’s the fourth game Dugger will miss in 2024. Last season he played in all 17 games and led New England in total snaps.

Elliss has an abdomen injury. He played in the Patriots first nine games. He began the season almost exclusively on special teams, but after the season-ending injury to Ja’Whaun Bentley and the struggles of Raekwon McMillan, Ellis has seen more time on defense in recent weeks, playing at least 42 defensive snaps in all three contests.

Also Read – What Should New England Do if They Stay Number One?

Questionable to Play

In addition to Kyle Dugger and Christian Elliss being out against Chicago, the Patriots listed five players as questionable for the game:

OT Vederian Lowe (shoulder)
OG Michael Jordan (ankle)
OG Layden Robinson (ankle)
DT Daniel Ekuale (abdomen)
DT Jaquelin Roy (neck)
CB Alex Austin (ankle)
S Marte Mapu (neck)

There are some obvious concerns here. If Marte Mapu is unable to go, that would leave the New England Patriots without their top three safeties. Mark Perry would likely get called up from the practice squad if that’s the case.

Offensive line injuries are an obvious concern as well. Lowe, Jordan, and Robinson all started for New England against Tennessee. The constant shifting along the line, due to both availability and performance, has not helped the unit build the necessary rapport for the Patriots this season.

Chicago Bears Injuries

The Chicago Bears listed four players out and three as questionable for Sunday.

Ruled out are:

OT Kiran Amegadjie (calf)
OT Braxton Jones (knee)
OT Darnell Wright (knee)
S Jaquan Brisker (concussion)

Three questionable Bears:

OT Ryan Bates (shoulder)
DE Darrell Taylor (knee)
LB Noah Sewell (knee)

Chicago needs somebody to step up at offensive tackle for them on Sunday. It will be imperative for New England’s defensive front to take advantage of this absences and put pressure on Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.

The Chicago Bears (4-4) host the New England Patriots (2-7) Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.