The New England Patriots are gearing up for their first game against the Buffalo Bills in Buffalo this Sunday, with a few key players ruled out or listed as questionable. Cornerback Marcus Jones (hip) and running back JaMycal Hasty (ankle) have been declared out after missing practice all week. Safety Kyle Dugger, safety Jabrill Peppers, offensive lineman Cole Strange, tackle Caedan Wallace, and defensive end Keion White are listed as questionable, which could leave significant gaps in both the offense and defense.
Marcus Jones’s absence will impact the Patriots’ defense and special teams significantly. Jones has been a cornerstone in the defensive backfield, splitting his time between slot and outside cornerback, playing over 60% of defensive snaps this season. Without him, the Patriots will turn to Jonathan Jones, Isaiah Bolden, rookie Marcellas Dial Jr., and Alex Austin alongside star corner Christian Gonzalez. This defensive reshuffling is critical, especially against the Bills’ explosive receivers, including Khalil Shakir, who leads the team with 71 catches and excels in yards after the catch. Jones’s absence also creates a void in punt returns, where he ranks second in the league this season.
On special teams, the Patriots may turn to wide receiver DeMario Douglas, who has not returned punts this season but has prior experience or recently signed practice-squad wideout Alex Erickson, a veteran with extensive punt return history. Jones’s contributions as a gadget player on offense will also be missed, further highlighting the versatility he brought to the team. His injury compounds the team’s challenges as they also placed starting defensive tackle Christian Barmore on the reserve/NFI list due to recurring symptoms from blood clots, creating another gap on defense.
The Patriots’ running back rotation will also feel the absence of JaMycal Hasty, a key player in their ground game. With Hasty sidelined, Antonio Gibson and Rhamondre Stevenson will lead the backfield. The team is expected to promote another running back from the practice squad, with options including rookie Terrell Jennings or third-year back Kevin Harris. Depth at the position will be crucial to maintain flexibility in the running game.
On the offensive line, rookie tackle Caedan Wallace is nearing a return but may not be ready for game action this week after missing most of the season with a leg injury. The Patriots see Wallace as a potential long-term solution at right tackle, and a strong finish to his rookie campaign could solidify his role in the team’s future. Meanwhile, guard Cole Strange, recently activated but still recovering from injury, is unlikely to play, leaving the starting offensive line configuration unchanged for now.
The Patriots enter Sunday’s game as heavy underdogs against the Bills, who have already clinched their division title. Despite the challenges, head coach Jerod Mayo emphasizes the importance of finishing the season strong, starting with a competitive showing in Buffalo. The Patriots will need to rely on depth and resilience to contend with the Bills’ high-powered offense in what promises to be a tough matchup at Highmark Stadium.
