CINCINNATI — Operating again Rhamondre Stevenson and large receiver Kayshon Boutte will return Sunday in opposition to the Bengals.
Stevenson missed three video games with a toe harm, whereas Boutte was out two video games with a hamstring harm.
It is going to be attention-grabbing to see how Stevenson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson break up carries and snaps in opposition to the Bengals. Stevenson was the clear starter earlier than his harm, however Henderson had two breakout video games in his absence.
Boutte ought to reclaim his position as a starter. He was one of many league’s prime deep threats earlier than injuring his hamstring.
The Bengals have the NFL’s worst protection, so the Patriots may select to ease in Stevenson and Boutte if obligatory.
Rookie outdoors linebacker Bradyn Swinson can also be set to make his NFL debut. Swinson was signed off the observe squad late final week.
Right here’s the complete checklist of Patriots inactives:
QB Tommy DeVito (emergency third QB)
OL Caedan Wallace
DT Joshua Farmer
LB Jahlani Tavai (private)
WR Efton Chism
TE CJ Diprre
Notes:
• DeVito can solely enter Thursday evening’s recreation if Drake Maye or Joshua Dobbs endure accidents. He would wish to return out if both participant will get cleared.
• Wallace has but to make his season debut. Behind left sort out Will Campbell, left guard Jared Wilson, heart Garrett Bradbury, proper guard Mike Onwenu and proper sort out Morgan Moses, the Patriots can have backup tackles Marcus Bryant and Vederian Lowe and guard/heart Ben Brown.
• Rookie DT Joshua Farmer is a shock inactive. He didn’t have an harm designation this week and was a full participant all week regardless of an ankle harm that saved him out final week. The Patriots will gown fellow rookie Eric Gregory, who began his profession as an undrafted free agent with the Bengals, and Jeremiah Pharms, a observe squad elevation, over him with Milton Williams on injured reserve with an ankle harm.
• Tavai is out with private points. The Patriots can have Christian Elliss again after he missed two straight video games with a hip harm. Elliss and Jack Gibbens may rotate snaps subsequent to Robert Spillane at linebacker.
• It’s not a shock to see Chism inactive with Boutte again, however the Patriots will want a brand new kick returner. It might be Henderson, Stevenson or Terrell Jennings. The Patriots can have Boutte, Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas and Kyle Williams out there at large receiver.
• Dippre was signed off the observe squad this week, however he received’t make his NFL debut. Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper, coming back from a concussion, will likely be out there at tight finish.
• The Bengals will likely be with out quarterback Joe Burrow (toe), large receiver Ja’Marr Chase (suspension), defensive finish Trey Hendrickson (hip/pelvis) and cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (foot).
