The New England Patriots face several key injuries ahead of their game against the New York Jets. Notably, wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, running back Rhamondre Stevenson, and tight end Austin Hooper will sit out. The Jets are also struggling, with star receiver Garrett Wilson on injured reserve and starting cornerback Azareye’h Thomas inactive due to a concussion.
The absence of Stevenson continues to be a challenge for the Patriots. This marks his third game missed, and Boutte will be out for the second week in a row due to a hamstring injury. Hooper’s injury could complicate matters, as the Patriots typically leverage their tight ends in their passing game. They’re known for using heavy personnel formations, with fewer than three wide receivers on over half of their snaps this season.
Notably, the Patriots haven’t called up any tight ends from their practice squad, opting instead for a mix of players to fill the gap. They might utilize fullback Jack Westover or activate an extra offensive lineman. There’s even chatter about using wide receiver Mack Hollins in a tight end role, which could lead to interesting formations on the field.
At the running back position, rookie TreVeyon Henderson is expected to take the lead. He recently showcased his capabilities with electrifying touchdown runs but will need support. Backup Terrell Jennings is active despite some injury concerns, and D’Ernest Johnson has been elevated from the practice squad to provide depth. The running game will heavily rely on Henderson until Stevenson returns.
The Patriots will likely stick to a similar wide receiver rotation, with rookie Kyle Williams and veteran Mack Hollins ready to step in. Williams scored impressively last week, and Hollins has shown he can perform under pressure. This dynamic duo could help offset Boutte’s absence effectively.
Defensively, the Patriots are also facing hurdles. They’ll miss linebacker Christian Elliss again, and last week’s defensive performance raised concerns, particularly against the run. Their run defense allowed an alarming 5.4 yards per carry against the Bucs last week. Now, they’ll face a Jets rushing attack that’s ranked third in explosive run rate this season, featuring standout back Breece Hall.
Rookie defensive tackle Eric Gregory will make his NFL debut in place of Joshua Farmer. Star defensive tackle Christian Barmore has also been managed carefully due to a back issue. Given the Jets’ prowess in the run game, it’s essential for New England to tighten up their defense to avoid another poor performance.
Interestingly, the Patriots aim to extend their winning streak to eight games, the longest since the 2019 season. A victory would put them at 9-2, surpassing last season’s total wins combined. As they approach this pivotal matchup, it’s clear the stakes are high for both teams with so many players on the sidelines.
Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET on Thursday at Gillette Stadium. Fans will be eager to see how the Patriots adapt their game plan to overcome these challenges and maintain their impressive momentum.
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Inactives Analysis,Pregame-Content,Analysis,hp-article,hp-featured,New York Jets at New England Patriots (2025-REG-11)
