Photo – Mike Reiss
Many questions have begun to be answered about what Patriots football will look like this season, and today, we’ll find out even more. Here’s your Game Day supplement for all of the latest news ahead of this afternoon’s Week 3 encounter against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Roster Moves
Main Roster
OL James Ferentz (Signed from PS)
DL Nick Thurman (Promoted from PS)
WR Isaiah Zuber (Promoted from PS)
*Main roster promotions will revert back to PS after the game
Placed On Injured Reserve
C David Andrews
LB Josh Uche
With the news coming in yesterday that David Andrews and Josh Uche had been placed on IR, a couple of inevitable PS promotions have taken place. Firstly James Ferentz was signed to the 53-man roster instead of being promoted, which means he won’t automatically revert back to the PS after today’s game. Ferentz along with Hjalte Froholdt are candidates to start at center in the absence of Andrews, although, don’t be surprised if there is some movement across the whole offensive front.
Nick Thurman is called up to the main roster for the second-straight week and UDFA Isaiah Zuber also gets the nod, hopefully this isn’t an indication that Edelman or Harry can’t play.
Injury Check-In
In Friday’s injury report, three players were confirmed out along with five as questionable for today’s game against Las Vegas.
OUT
C David Andrews (Hand)
RB James White (Not injury related)
LB Josh Uche (Foot)
QUESTIONABLE
DL Adam Butler (Shoulder)
S Kyle Dugger (Ankle)
WR Julian Edelman (Knee)
WR N’Keal Harry (Ankle)
OL Isaiah Wynn (Calf)
As I wrote in Friday’s injury report update, all five players that are listed as questionable are likely to play, although the promotion of Zuber from the PS does raise an eyebrow. The most likely scenario is that he’s been called up as extra protection in the event that Jules or Harry can’t go, but we’ll know for sure when the inactive lists are released.
Salary Cap Update
As always, here’s your weekly check-in from @patscap! The current cap number stands at $24,622,869 following yesterday’s roster moves.
The Patriots haven’t made a trade since August but continue to have a healthy cap number in Week 3 of the regular season. If I had to take a guess right now, the positions most likely to see trade activity are linebacker and wide receiver, and there’s still plenty of time to do business before the October 29 trade deadline.
Fantasy Starts (PPR)
QB Cam Newton
Newton had a monster game against Seattle last week, whilst continuing to show his run ability with 2 rushing TD’s, he passed for 397 YDS (the most by a Patriot QB since 2017) and is currently the 3rd ranked QB in PPR fantasy. Start Cam Newton. Week 2 – 34.58 Week 3 projected points (NFL Fantasy) – 20.53 – Average points – 30.14
WR Julian Edelman
Jules hauled in 179 receiving yards last Sunday, a career-high, proving that he still is a force to be reckoned with for fantasy opponents. He sits ranked as the 6th best WR in fantasy PPR and should make your lineup this week in either a traditional WR or flex position. Week 2 – 25.90 Week 3 projected points (NFL Fantasy) – 16.21 – Average points – 19.45
RB Sony Michel
With James White missing again, this could be Sony Michel’s last chance stay atop of the running back depth chart with Damien Harris eligible to return from IR next week. Now, it’s no secret that the Patriots have struggled to establish the run in the opening two games, but I have a feeling Michel could have a big game today, I’d consider him a starting option, depending what your RB depth might be. Week 2 – 1.90 Week 3 projected points (NFL Fantasy) – 9.71 – Average points – 5.80
That’s it for this week’s Sunday Supplement! LFG!
Read my Patriots v Raiders game preview here.
