The New England Patriots are back home for their fifth game of the season. Hosting the Miami Dolphins, they will attempt to snap a three-game losing streak that dropped them to 1-3 on the year and already into a challenging position.
Sunday’s game against a division rival is therefore a big measuring stick for the team when it comes to its outlook. Here is what New England’s game day roster for the contest looks like:
Patriots game day roster
Quarterback (2): Jacoby Brissett (7), Drake Maye (10)
Running back (3): Antonio Gibson (4), Rhamondre Stevenson (38), JaMycal Hasty (39 | KR)
Wide receiver (5): DeMario Douglas (3), Ja’Lynn Polk (1), Kendrick Bourne (84), Tyquan Thornton (11), Kayshon Boutte (9)
Tight end (2): Hunter Henry (85), Austin Hooper (81)
Offensive tackle (4): Vederian Lowe (59 | LT), Michael Onwenu (71 | RT), Zachary Thomas (72), Demontrey Jacobs (75)
Interior offensive line (5): Sidy Sow (62 | LG), Nick Leverett (51 | C), Layden Robinson (63 | RG), Michael Jordan (74), Brian Hudson (61)
Interior defensive line (7): Davon Godchaux (92), Keion White (99), Deatrich Wise Jr. (91), Daniel Ekuale (95), Jeremiah Pharms Jr. (98), Eric Johnson (96), Jaquelin Roy (94)
Defensive edge (3): Anfernee Jennings (33), Joshua Uche (55), Ochaun Mathis (32)
Linebacker (4): Jahlani Tavai (48), Raekwon McMillan (50), Christian Elliss (53), Curtis Jacobs (52)
Cornerback (6): Christian Gonzalez (0), Jonathan Jones (31), Marcus Jones (25 | PR), Marco Wilson (22), Marcellas Dial Jr. (27), Isaiah Bolden (29)
Safety (4): Jaylinn Hawkins (21), Marte Mapu (15), Dell Pettus (24), Brenden Schooler (41)
Specialists (3): Joey Slye (13 | K), Bryce Baringer (17 | P | H), Joe Cardona (49 | LS)
The first four weeks of the season have been a struggle for the Patriots offense, but the unit did get some positive news heading into the game against Miami.
At wide receiver, Kendrick Bourne will make his debut after starting the season on the physically unable to perform list; New England’s leading pass catcher when he went down with a torn ACL last October, his presence is good news even if on a limited snap count. Bourne is one of five wideouts made active with K.J. Osborn out injured and Javon Baker a healthy scratch.
Defensively, the Patriots will have to find a way to replace starting safeties Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers. Both have been ruled out due to ankle and shoulder injuries, respectively, putting pressure on the depth behind them. Jaylinn Hawkins and another recently activated player, Marte Mapu, could see extended snaps; the same is true for Dell Pettus and maybe even Brenden Schooler or members of New England’s cornerback group.
The Patriots also will start their fifth different offensive line in five games. With center David Andrews out for the year because of a shoulder issue, Nick Leverett will get his first start since joining the club in the offseason. Meanwhile, Vederian Lowe is set to return as starting left tackle.
Patriots reserves
Inactives (7): WR Javon Baker, TE Jaheim Bell, S Kyle Dugger, DE Jamree Kromah, QB Joe Milton III (emergency QB), WR K.J. Osborn, S Jabrill Peppers
Practice squad (13): OL Liam Fornadel, LB Joe Giles-Harris, RB Kevin Harris, DT Trysten Hill, CB D.J. James, RB Terrell Jennings, OT Caleb Jones, WR Matt Landers, S Mark Perry, TE Mitchell Wilcox, OT Jalen McKenzie, TE Jack Westover, G Jerome Carvin
Practice squad international (1): ED Jotham Russell
Reserve/left squad (1): OT Chukwuma Okorafor
Reserve/NFI (1): DT Christian Barmore
Reserve/PUP (2): G Cole Strange, LB Sione Takitaki
Injured reserve (7): C David Andrews, OL Jake Andrews, CB Alex Austin, LB Ja’Whaun Bentley, WR JaQuae Jackson, OT Caedan Wallace, ED Oshane Ximines
The Patriots’ various reserve lists include some of the team’s most important players: the aforementioned Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers are out; Christian Barmore remains on NFI, and David Andrews joined Ja’Whaun Bentley on injured reserve.
The Patriots’ Week 5 game against the Dolphins will be kicked off at 1 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium.