A big Divisional game today that is really a must-win for the Patriots, following last week’s humiliation to San Francisco, the Patriots have to bounce-back but will have to do it without a number of key players. Here’s your Game Day supplement for all of the latest news ahead of this afternoon’s Week 8 encounter against the Buffalo Bills.
Check out my preview for today’s match up here.
Roster Moves
Main Roster
S Cody Davis (Activated from IR)
LB Josh Uche (Activated from IR)
DT Nick Thurman (Signed to main roster from PS)
DT Tashawn Bower (Promoted from PS)*
WR Isaiah Zuber (Promoted from PS)*
*Main roster promotions will revert back to PS after the game
Signed
OL Jordan Steckler (PS)
Released
OL Jordan Roos (PS)
Placed on Injured Reserve
OL Justin Herron
WR Julian Edelman
LB Brandon Copeland
TE Jake Burt (PS)
Some useful returns for the Patriots with Cody Davis and rookie Josh Uche being activated from IR back to the main roster. Nick Thurman has also signed a deal to join the main roster after impressing from his practice squad elevations.
Tashawn Bower and Isaiah Zuber get another opportunity to impress this week as they’ve been designated as the team’s promotions for today’s game. A few players have also been sidelined this week, most notably, Julian Edelman, who will miss some time following knee surgery.
Injury Check-In
New England Patriots
OUT
WR Julian Edelman (Knee)
WR N’Keal Harry (Concussion)
DT Carl Davis (Concussion)
CB Stephon Gilmore (Knee)
DB Kyle Dugger (Ankle)
OL Justin Herron (Ankle)
DOUBTFUL
NONE
QUESTIONABLE
LB Shilique Calhoun (Knee)
DT Lawrence Guy (Ankle)
RB Damien Harris (Ankle)
CB J.C. Jackson (Knee)
TE Dalton Keene
G Shaq Mason (Calf)
DE John Simon (Shoulder)
G Joe Thuney (Ankle)
Buffalo Bills
OUT
G Cody Ford (Knee)
CB Josh Norman (Hamstring)
DOUBTFUL
NONE
QUESTIONABLE
DT Vernon Butler (Groin)
DE Jerry Hughes (Foot)
S Micah Hyde (Concussion)
DT Quinton Jefferson (Knee)
CB Cam Lewis (Wrist)
LB Matt Milano (Pectoral)
G Brian Winters (Knee)
The Pats already had injury concerns before this weekend began, but yesterday they added Stephon Gilmore, Kyle Dugger, and Justin Herron to the confirmed OUT’s for today’s game in Buffalo. The remaining eight questionable players should be ok to go, but we will know for sure when the inactives are released.
The bills injuries mainly lie within their defensive ranks, veteran CB Josh Norman is officially out along with Cody Ford. Star S Micah Hyde missed practice today and is questionable for Sunday along with six others for the Bills.
Salary Cap Update
As always, here’s your weekly check-in from @patscap! The current cap number stands at $22,630,127 following yesterday’s roster moves.
With lots of rumors flying around about the Patriots potentially dealing Stephon Gilmore, Miguel addressed what the Cap hit would be if he was to leave New England.
Expect some activity tomorrow and on deadline day Tuesday.
Fantasy Starts (PPR)
RB Damien Harris
I honestly don’t have much to offer after last week’s fantasy performance. But Harris should be good to go after showing up on the injury report. With Michel also still on IR, expect Harris to get most of the early-down work. Week 6 – 8.00 Week 8 projected points (NFL Fantasy) – 9.84– Average points – 7.43
WR Damiere Byrd
With no Edelman or Harry today, Byrd is WR 1 for the team and should see a good chunk of targets if Cam can get the passing game moving. Obviously not a clear points scorer, but if you’re struggling and need to take a flyer on someone, give Byrd a start. Week 6 – 2.60 Week 8 projected points (NFL Fantasy) – 9.30– Average points – 6.88