No time for banged-up Patriots to recover
Patriots Test Depth, Bounce Back After Week‑3 Win Over Jets
The New England Patriots finished a 26‑19 victory over the New York Jets in Foxborough on Sunday, but the win left the team with a fractured roster that will be put to the test as they head to Chicago for a Thursday‑night showdown. A series of injuries in the offensive line and on the receiving corps forced the Patriots to rely on a mix of veterans, rookies and practice‑squad call‑ups.
The Game in a Nutshell
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye carried the offense through a disciplined campaign, completing 25 of 38 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns without a single sack. The run attack, led by rookie Caleb Lomu at right tackle and Matt Pryor at left guard, opened lanes that allowed the Patriots to run out the clock in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, wide receiver DeMario Douglas accounted for two touchdowns, one a 9‑yard slant catch and the other a 39‑yard run that ultimately ended with a fumble that gave the Jets a field‑goal opportunity.
Romeo Doubs, who had scored a first‑quarter touchdown, left the game with a shoulder injury and was placed on injured reserve on Monday, leaving the Patriots with a gap at the wide‑receiver position.
Offensive‑Line Havoc
The offensive line, already thin at the start of the season, suffered additional blows in Sunday’s contest. Right tackle Morgan Moses exited early after a left ankle sprain, while left guard Alijah Vera‑Tucker missed the game with a hamstring strain. Ben Brown, who had started at right guard in Week 2, was also on the line after Mike Onwenu was moved to injured reserve following two games. Greg Van Roten, who had stepped in for Onwenu, had himself gone on IR the previous week.
“With the line, it’s just the way the game goes,” left tackle Will Campbell said. “Some guys stepped up big for us.”
New‑team rookie Caleb Lomu filled in at right tackle for Moses, and Walter Rouse also saw action at the position, while Pryor stayed in at left guard. Together, they recorded 106 snaps without allowing a single pressure on Maye.
Coach Says the Depth Test Is on
Head coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged that the injuries “will require everyone to remain fluid this week.” “We’ll just have to figure out who we have available and find 48 to put out there,” he said. Vrabel also highlighted the need to tighten ball‑security, noting that the Patriots are second in the league for turnovers this season with 13. “We’ll put more time into it,” he said. “I’m certainly cognizant. You can put it on me. That’s probably the easiest thing.”
Vrabel praised the readiness of the backups: “Everybody prepares as a starter. I can’t wait to watch those guys that prepare all week without knowing whether they’re going to get an opportunity to play,” he said. “And then when they do, take advantage of it, and that’s a testament to those players.”
Roster Moves and Practice‑Squad Additions
In response to the offensive‑line shortages, the Patriots added Andrew Rupcich and Jacob Rizy to the practice squad. Those players will likely see increased playing time in the lead‑up to the Chicago game.
A Glimmer of Positivity
Despite the setbacks, there are positives to take away. Maye’s two consecutive games without a turnover stand out in a team that has struggled with ball security. “We’re looking at the number 2 in a row,” Vrabel said of Maye’s streak. The Patriots also avoided any sacks in the third week, a first for the season.
What Lies Ahead
With only three days to regroup before the primetime matchup against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, the Patriots face a tough test of resilience. The coaching staff will need to keep the backups sharp while the injured players work toward rehabilitation. If the team can maintain its ball‑security focus and keep Maye protected, the Patriots may yet keep the playoff conversation alive.
