The last thing the New England Patriots need as they prepare for Buffalo on Sunday are more hurdles.
Yet, they seem to keep stumbling on them. The team released Thursday’s injury report, and the news is not good. In fact, it’s dreadful.
Cornerback Christian Gonzalez (shoulder), offensive tackle Morgan Moses (foot) and defensive lineman Christian Barmore (shoulder) were listed as non-participants at practice for the second straight day.
While Thursday is a bit early to “break glass in case of emergency,” head coach Mike Vrabel has to have the hammer in his hands.
Gonzalez a needed tool to have
Gonzalez is a major concern with the threat of Josh Allen igniting things with his newest toy, big-play receiver D.J. Moore.
Veteran Charles Woods would be the proverbial “next man up,” if the Pro Bowler can’t go. Woods filled in well enough for Carlton Davis in Week 2 against Pittsburgh, but not having Gonzalez would likely turn the Patriots secondary into a safe, passive zone mode.
That could make the Patriots vulnerable against James Cook and the Buffalo run and short-pass game.
Eric Canha-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
Interior defense will be tested
Barmore struggled inside on Sunday at Jacksonville. He remains a major presence against the run, though.
Without him, Cory Durden, DaQuan Jones and Joshua Farmer would be tested in more extensive roles. None of those three could be considered in Barmore’s company when it comes to playing the run.
Again, his absence sets up for Cook, one of the game’s most dynamic rushers.
Does the rookie get the nod?
Moses, at age 35, left the Jacksonville game early, forcing rookie first-round pick Caleb Lomu into action at right tackle.
Lomu struggled as you might expect, entering the game with the wind already sucked out of the Patriots offense.
With Ed Oliver and a more aggressive Bills’ defensive front looming – with a hostile crowd in Buffalo – starting Lomu for the first time on Sunday would be a giant ask.
