The New England Patriots have a “Thursday Night Football” date with the New York Jets on the road to open up NFL Week 3.
The Pats are dealing with some injuries ahead of the AFC East rivalry game.
According to the team’s official site, eight players are on the injury report.
Linebackers Ja’Whaun Bentley (shoulder) and Oshane Ximines (knee) are out, as are offensive linemen Vederian Lowe (knee) and Sidy Sow (ankle).
Veteran center David Andrews is questionable (hip), along with offensive lineman Mike Onwenu (wrist).
Defenders Jabrill Peppers and Deatrich Wise Jr. are questionable, each with a shoulder injury.
Patriots Wednesday injury report and #NEvsNYJ game statuses: https://t.co/FEPqnrhNmq pic.twitter.com/57mm9DYnQ8
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 18, 2024
There are a couple of components to the game that make it significant and difficult for New England.
First of all, it is facing Aaron Rodgers and a Jets team that is fresh off a road win against the Tennessee Titans.
Could the Patriots be facing an opponent that is just starting to find their groove?
If they are, the injuries could not be coming at a worse time.
The Pats surprised a lot of people by going on the road in Week 1 and upsetting Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals.
Then in Week 2, they lost a close game in overtime to the Seattle Seahawks.
So, the Pats are a more formidable team than some may think, but a short week against Rodgers and a rising Jets team is going to be tough, especially with these injuries popping up.
Time will tell if veterans such as Andrews, Peppers and Wise can give it a go in a big early-season matchup with a division rival.
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