The New England Patriots have majorly avoided the injury bug that has plagued so many teams through the first month of the season. This no longer appears to be the case as the injury report published today includes a laundry list of high profile starters like Milton Williams and Christian Gonzalez.
Head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed today that a handful of starters were already ruled out for the Pats’ trip to New Orleans. These starters are Jaylinn Hawkins and Keion White. Additionally, linebacker Anfrenee Jennings was ruled out as well leaving the Patriots’ linebacking core heavily hobbled.
Speaking of linebackers, Marte Mapu is not a welcome sight on the injury report. The pass coverage linebacker/safety hybrid who made a massive interception to help seal the deal against the Miami Dolphins Week 2 is now listed as questionable to play against an offense that attempts nearly 40 passes a game.
As far as Christian Gonzalez is concerned, his lingering hamstring injury just will not go away. After two weeks of will he won’t he, he is back on the injury report as of Thursday. Coach Vrabel said today at his press conference that the All-Pro corner would once again be a game time decision come Sunday.
K’Lavon Chaisson Homecoming
K’Lavon Chaisson, who missed last week’s Sunday Night Football show down, remained a limited participant for the first two practices of the week but appears to be trending towards playing in Louisiana.
The LSU alum will likely enjoy the homecoming as a member of LSU’s 2019 National Championship winning squad.
The 26-year-old former first round pick is also a Houston native. Meaning, if his family hasn’t already moved up north, they will just have to jump on I-10 for an opportunity to see Chaisson back in action in the Big Easy.
Who Will Replace Antonio Gibson?
The Pats still have not announced who they will be activating to replace Antonio Gibson in the running back room. The sixth-year back had his season ended against the Buffalo Bills, suffering a torn ACL. The injury will require surgery.
That leaves just two running backs on roster as of right now. Rhamondre Stevenson is listed as the starter with TreVeyon Henderson serving in relief. In an offense that typically sees a roughly 40/30/30 split when it comes to snap count, this will be a huge shake up.
There are a few eligible backs on the practice squad, namely Terrell Jennings, with the team signing another one on Monday, in Jashaun Corbin.
Regardless, it remains unclear who will step up. Whether that be a back elevated or Sunday, or the rookie Henderson finally seeing the work load fans want from him.
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