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Patriots Enter Week 3 Short on Starters After Multiple Practice Absences

Two recent injured-reserve moves have forced New England to promote depth and rehearse lineup shifts ahead of Sunday’s game.

Overview

  • Several players who exited Sunday’s win did not take part in the media-access portion of Wednesday’s practice, with Dre’Mont Jones, Craig Woodson and Eli Raridon listed as non-participants.
  • The team placed starting guard Mike Onwenu and safety Dell Pettus on injured reserve, which requires a minimum multi-game absence and removes experienced depth from the roster.
  • New England promoted edge rusher Jose Ramirez from the practice squad to the 53-man roster and signed linebacker Benton Whitley to the practice squad to plug immediate gaps.
  • Coaches have increased reps for depth options — including veteran Greg Van Roten, backup Walter Rouse and rookie Gabe Jacas — while Carlton Davis returned to full practice and Brenden Schooler opened his PUP return window.
  • The Patriots face short-term lineup uncertainty that will be decided by later practice reports and game-day designations, and the shifts will likely give backups and special-teams players expanded game roles.