The Patriots will journey to Dallas on Saturday with out two starters.
Cornerback Jonathan Jones and left guard Cole Strange have been downgraded to out on Saturday afternoon, indicating they don’t seem to be touring with the remainder of the Patriots to tackle the Cowboys.
Jones suffered an ankle damage forward of Week 2. He’s been a restricted participant in observe for 2 weeks, however this would be the third recreation he’ll miss this season.
Strange suffered a knee damage within the Patriots’ Week 3 win over the Jets and was restricted in observe this week.
The Patriots ought to proceed to lean on rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez, Myles Bryant and Shaun Wade in Jones’ absence. They even have rookie Ameer Speed and veteran defensive again Jalen Mills as choices to play cornerback. The Patriots might elect to signal or elevate cornerbacks Breon Borders or Azizi Hearn off of the observe squad by Saturday at 4 p.m.
It’s a troublesome matchup in opposition to the Cowboys with out Jones. The Cowboys characteristic three harmful huge receivers in CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks and Michael Gallup.
Cornerbacks Jack Jones and Marcus Jones are on injured reserve. Jack Jones is eligible to return subsequent week.
Rookies Atonio Mafi and Sidy Sow are the highest choices to fill in for Strange at left guard. Strange missed a lot of the summer time plus Week 1 with a knee damage. Mafi performed left guard whereas Sow, who missed two weeks with a concussion, crammed in for Mike Onwenu at proper guard. Onwenu has since returned.
Strange has struggled since being chosen within the first spherical of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Chattanooga. If Mafi or Sow performs effectively in his place, then it appears potential that Strange wouldn’t be assured his beginning spot again on the offensive line.
Source: www.bostonherald.com