FOXBORO - The New England Patriots’ first practice of Week 5 came with a long injury list and a short roster of healthy bodies at a few key spots.
Eight players, including several starters, were out Wednesday as the 2-2 Patriots began turning their attention to the Las Vegas Raiders. Among the biggest names missing were Christian Gonzalez and Christian Barmore, both of whom sat out last week’s win over the Buffalo Bills as well.
Before practice, Mike Vrabel gave a clear hint about where things stood.
"I don’t expect Gonzo to be back out there today. Christian (Barmore) may do some things,"
The Patriots’ cornerback group was hit especially hard. Gonzalez, Marcus Jones, Charles Woods, D.J.
Davis, Kobee Minor and Marcellas Dial were all absent from practice, leaving the team with just four healthy corners working in drills. Those four were Marcus Jones, Charles Woods, Kindle Vildor and Al'Zillion Hamilton, who joined the practice squad yesterday.
Woods was limited because of a stinger he picked up last week. Hamilton’s presence came after his practice squad signing, while the rest of the group tried to patch together a thin position room.
The situation matters because of what the Raiders bring on offense. Las Vegas does not have a deep receiver group - Tre Tucker leads its receivers with 15 catches - but the tight end tandem of Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer drives much of the passing game.
There were also questions about whether the Patriots would start opening practice windows for players on injured reserve. After four weeks, those players are eligible to return to the field, but Vrabel suggested that won’t happen just yet.
"I just think that with the uncertainty here, that probably won’t happen," Vrabel said. "I wouldn’t anticipate that happening.
Those guys have all worked really hard to get back, and it’s just where the situation is with the roster and trying to figure out what we need to do. So, we’ll probably not start those guys practicing."
The players on IR who can now return are offensive tackle Marcus Bryant, linebacker Khalil Jacobs and punter Bryce Baringer. The Patriots also have edge rusher Harold Landry on the physically unable to perform list and safety Brenden Schooler on the non-football injury list, and both are eligible to play. Schooler appears closer to a return than Landry.
New England still has two open spots on the active roster after placing edge rusher Quintayvious Hutchins on IR and releasing edge rusher Jose Ramirez.
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