Patriots get bad news with injuries ahead of Bucs game

FOXBOROUGH — The New England Patriots are bracing for one in every of their hardest assessments of the season on Sunday once they journey right down to Tampa to tackle Baker Mayfield and the 6-2 Bucs.

Drake Maye and Co. will want the entire assist they will get as New England tries to increase its profitable streak to seven video games. However an already banged-up Patriots roster didn’t precisely obtain excellent news on Wednesday.

Throughout New England’s first follow of the week, each Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) and Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) had been absent — whereas veteran heart Garrett Bradbury was a non-participant.

On the defensive aspect of the ball, linebacker Christian Elliss was additionally sidelined by a hip harm and didn’t take part on Wednesday. 

Stevenson didn’t play in Sunday’s win over the Falcons, whereas Boutte exited that 24-23 win as New England’s offense labored within the second half with out Maye’s high deep-threat goal obtainable. 

If each Boutte and Stevenson can’t play, the Patriots must as soon as once more depend on youthful expertise at each talent positions. 

Final week, rookie TreVeyon Henderson and practice-squad signee Terrell Jennings each made essentially the most of their added reps within the floor recreation — combining for 90 dashing yards and a landing. 

If Boutte has to overlook Sunday’s recreation in Tampa, the subsequent man up for New England would doubtless be rookie Kyle Williams. DeMario Douglas stepped up in opposition to Atlanta along with his first 100-yard receiving recreation final week, however Maye’s knack for uncorking deep balls down the sector can be hampered if Boutte can’t play. 

An harm to Bradbury would additional complicate issues on New England’s offensive line, with Ben Brown doubtless standing as the subsequent man up at heart. 

“Credit score to Garrett for what he’s performed,” Drake Maye stated of Bradbury on Wednesday. “First off, coming into the o-line room and bringing some swagger. He’s a Charlotte man; he went to the improper school, however he’s performed an excellent job this yr. He performs actually onerous. He’s sort of the coordinator, as each heart is. He does an excellent job speaking with me.

Tampa can also be coping with some accidents past an prolonged absence for Mike Evans, with Chris Godwin and Bucky Irving additionally not working towards on Wednesday.   

Right here’s a have a look at each New England and Tampa Bay’s harm studies: 

NEW ENGLAND

Didn’t take part

WR Kayshon Boutte, Hamstring

C Garrett Bradbury, Hip

LB Christian Elliss, Hip

DL Joshua Farmer, Ankle

RB Rhamondre Stevenson, Toe

Full participation

CB Christian Gonzalez, Gameday Concussion Protocol

LB Marte Mapu, Neck

TAMPA BAY

Didn’t take part

WR Chris Godwin Jr., Fibula

RB Bucky Irving, Foot / Shoulder

OLB Haason Reddick, Ankle / Knee

OLB Markees Watts, Hand

Restricted participation

T Luke Goedeke, Foot

Full participation

LB Lavonte David, Knee / Rib

G Luke Haggard, Shoulder

QB Baker Mayfield, Knee, Indirect

CB Zyon McCollum, Thumb

CB Jacob Parrish, Indirect

 

Conor Ryan is a employees author protecting the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Crimson Sox for Boston.com, a task he has held since 2023.