Patriots’ Depth Will Be Tested Against Buccaneers
As the New England Patriots prepare for their Week 10 showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium, they face a challenging hurdle. The team has announced seven inactives, raising concerns about their depth and ability to maintain momentum.
Injury Report and Inactive Players
The Patriots (7-2) are coming off a narrow 24-23 victory against the Atlanta Falcons. In contrast, the Buccaneers (6-2) are fresh off a bye week, with their most recent win being a dominant 23-3 performance against the New Orleans Saints in Week 8. With kickoff set for 1 p.m. ET, the Patriots released their list of inactives, which includes:
RB Rhamondre Stevenson
WR Kayshon Boutte
LB Christian Ellis
S John Saunders
DE Eric Gregory
G Caedan Wallace
QB Tommy DeVito (3rd QB)
Impact of Key Injuries
One of the most significant losses for the Patriots is wide receiver Kayshon Boutte. The rookie playmaker suffered a hamstring injury late in the first half of the game against Atlanta and did not return. Despite being a sixth-round pick (187th overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft, Boutte has quickly emerged as a reliable target for quarterback Drake Maye, recording 23 receptions for 431 yards and five touchdowns prior to his injury.
With Boutte sidelined, rookie Kyle Williams is poised to step up. Williams filled in for Boutte during the latter part of the Week 9 contest, logging a season-high 31 snaps. However, he was unable to secure a catch on his only target, a miss attributed to a miscommunication with Maye.
Rhamondre Stevenson’s Continued Absence
Running back Rhamondre Stevenson’s absence is another critical blow for the Patriots. Initially appearing on the injury report with a toe issue ahead of the Falcons game, he was ultimately ruled out. Although Stevenson participated as an observer in the final two practices of the week, he was not deemed fit to return against the Buccaneers.
In his stead, the Patriots will rely on rookie TreVeyon Henderson, veteran Terrell Jennings, and practice squad elevation D’Ernest Johnson to carry the rushing load. The team will be looking for these players to step up in what could be a pivotal game.
Defensive Challenges with Christian Ellis Out
Linebacker Christian Ellis will also miss the game due to a hip injury sustained in the closing moments of the Week 9 matchup. At the time of his exit, Ellis had led the team with five tackles, further underscoring his importance to the defense. This season, he has accumulated 48 tackles (22 solo), a pass breakup, and a forced fumble.
With Ellis sidelined, the Patriots will lean on Jahlani Tavai, Marte Mapu, and Jack Gibbens to fill the gap. Mapu, despite dealing with a neck injury earlier in the week, was a full participant in practice. Ellis’s absence is particularly concerning, as he contributes significantly on both defense and special teams.
Conclusion
As the Patriots gear up to take on the Buccaneers, the absence of key players due to injury will put their depth to the ultimate test. While they aim to build on their recent success, the stakes are high against a formidable opponent fresh off a bye. The next few hours will reveal whether New England can overcome these challenges and continue their winning ways.
