Patriots List Five Players as Questionable for Sunday’s Game vs. Cowboys

When it comes to the injury report, the Patriots are looking good before their Sunday matchup against the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.

The Patriots listed the following players as doubtful for the Week 4 match on Friday: DL Christian Barmore (knee), DL Davon Godchaux (ankle), CB Jonathan Jones (ankle), G Cole Strange (knee), and CB Shaun Wade (shoulder). However, no player was ruled out. OL Sidy Sow has completed the concussion protocol and is allowed to play, while Wade was added to the injury list after the fact, having participated just little in Friday’s practice.

To counter the formidable Cowboys rushing threat, New England’s defensive line should be totally healthy to start the game. Considering that the Cowboys rank ninth in terms of projected points gained per rush and Dallas has the fourth-highest rushing rate, stopping the run will be crucial to their success this week.

Davon Godchaux, a nose tackle, may play on Sunday after suffering an injury during the team’s victory against the Jets. Godchaux, who sustained an injury in the second quarter of last week and did not play again, was seen in the Patriots locker room on Friday without showing any signs of a serious injury.

He was replaced in the center of the Patriots defensive line by Godchaux, a huge guy, and Christian Barmore, who is still dealing with a knee ailment. Although Barmore is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game, he should be able to play despite the injury given that he had a team-high seven quarterback pressures a week ago, mostly while playing over the center. The news for the Patriots defensive line is promising, as the base defenders and run stuffers have a huge week ahead of them.

Cornerback Jonathan Jones (ankle) was remained restricted in practice after sitting out the previous two games for the defensive backfield. For the second week in a row, the Pats’ top corner is labeled as doubtful. However, the club may have thought Jones’ injury was temporary since if it had been, Jones would have been put on in-season injured reserve, suggesting that a return is possible.

It would be very beneficial for Bill Belichick’s defense to have the quick Jones cover seasoned deep threat Brandin Cooks, who is increasing his playing time after an injury. It’s not a positive development for the third-year corner, however, that Wade was added to the injury report on Friday. Such a late addition often points to an injury sustained during practice, which raises questions about Wade’s availability. Wade was the team’s third cornerback in compact and dime packages last week, playing 38 defensive snaps.

The NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Month, Christian Gonzalez, a first-year wide receiver, is probably going to be traveling with Cowboys Pro Bowler CeeDee Lamb. But in the event that Jones and Wade are unable to play, the Patriots will have Myles Bryant, youngster Ameer Speed on special teams, and maybe Jalen Mills at cornerback. Though freshly signed practice squad DBs Breon Borders and Azizi Hearn are possible elevation alternatives, Mills has been hesitant to go from safety this season.

Now let’s talk about the offense. The Patriots have a healthy quarterback and skill group, but there may still be some movement along the offensive line. Cole Strange, the starting left guard, had a knee injury last week and was restricted throughout the week. As a result, he is now officially doubtful. Expect fifth-round pick Atonio Mafi to start at left guard in the event that Strange is unable to play, with freshly cleared G/T Sidy Sow serving as an interior option as well. The youngster took over for Strange after the latter departed the game. It is expected that Vederian Lowe would start at right tackle for the second consecutive week.

In the previous week’s victory in the Meadowlands, the Patriots’ running game established a rhythm as their line consistency and offensive health both improved. Strange, however, struggled with managing Jets standout Quinnen Williams in pass protection and gave up territory in the rushing game. Mafi has a heavier base and a lower center of gravity than Strange, yet he still offers superior pass protection.

Davon-Godchaux

Starting left tackle Tyron Smith (knee) was declared out for the Cowboys, while starting centers Tyler Biadasz (hamstring) and G Zack Martin (ankle) are listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game.

Before this weekend’s match, on Saturday afternoon, New England will make its way to the Dallas region. While traveling, we will find out more about the state of its dubious players, including any downgrades while in Dallas. Additionally, the Pats have until Saturday at 4 p.m. ET to promote any player off the practice squad. The Patriots did not promote any members of their practice squad last week.

After that, the Patriots will finalize their plans for Sunday’s game at AT&T Stadium in Dallas against the Cowboys.