Inactives Analysis of the Patriots Ahead of Bengals Showdown

Patriots Inactives Analysis for Bengals Game

Cincinnati, Ohio — The Patriots are gearing up for their regular-season opener against the Bengals, marking the first inactives analysis of the 2024 season.

Active Players and Key Updates

New England is mostly healthy heading into Sunday’s game in Cincinnati. Besides already-ruled out G Sidy Sow (ankle), the rest of the players on the Patriots final injury report are officially active in Week 1:

• S Jabrill Peppers (hip)
• OT Vederian Lowe (abdomen)
• LB Joshua Uche (foot)
• RB Antonio Gibson (hip)

Inactives include G Sidy Sow (ankle), WR Javon Baker, LB Curtis Jacobs, T Zachary Thomas, T Demontrey Jacobs, DT Eric Johnson, and QB Joe Milton as the emergency third quarterback.

Key Point: Starting safety Jabrill Peppers (hip) is active after passing a pre-game workout, although his usage should be monitored. If Peppers is limited, veteran Jaylinn Hawkins and rookie Dell Pettus will need to step up alongside Kyle Dugger.

Wide Receivers and Offensive Line Adjustments

At wide receiver, Javon Baker is notably inactive despite some questionable speculation surrounding his status. This was somewhat expected due to his inconsistency at the end of training camp. The active wide receivers for the Patriots are:

• DeMario Douglas
• K.J. Osborn
• Ja'Lynn Polk
• Tyquan Thornton
• Kayshon Boutte

Interesting Note: The offensive line will see Chuks Okorafor projected as the starting left tackle, with Vederian Lowe possible for rotation.

Running Back and Defensive Status

RB Antonio Gibson (hip) is officially active and will share duties with Rhamondre Stevenson. Both players are expected to be crucial in the backfield.

Defensively, pass-rusher Joshua Uche (foot) is active, despite previous doubts about his status this season.

The Patriots are expected to face a weakened Bengals team as star WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) is inactive. However, Ja'Marr Chase remains a challenge for New England even after contract concerns.

Bengals Showdown Under New Coaching

Entering the matchup, New England stands as a 7.5-point underdog against the Bengals, providing a potential upset opportunity in their first game under head coach Jerod Mayo.