The New England Patriots are heading into Monday Night Football against the New York Giants with a reshuffled lineup - and a banged-up offensive line that’s missing some key pieces.
Starting offensive linemen Jared Wilson (ankle) and Will Campbell (knee) are both out - Wilson was ruled out officially, while Campbell landed on injured reserve last week. That’s a tough blow for a Patriots front that’s already been fighting for consistency this season. Add in injuries to safety Brenden Schooler (ankle) and defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga (chest), and the Patriots will be without four contributors who all went down in last weekend’s win over the Bengals.
To help plug the holes, the Patriots are turning to some fresh faces and practice squad call-ups. Caedan Wallace, who’s been a healthy scratch every week this year, will finally suit up. Brenden Jaimes, elevated from the practice squad, will also be active - giving the Patriots some flexibility and depth on the interior, especially with starting center Garrett Bradbury listed as questionable due to illness.
On the defensive side, New England also brought up Jeremiah Pharms Jr. from the practice squad. With Milton Williams on IR, Pharms gives the Patriots a little more beef up front, which could be crucial against a Giants team that still leans on its run game to set the tone.
As for the inactives, Bradyn Swinson, Marcus Bryant, CJ Dippre, and quarterback Tommy DeVito will all be healthy scratches for New England.
Across the field, the Giants are dealing with a few losses of their own. Edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux and wide receiver Jalin Hyatt headline the inactives, while linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse, edge rusher Victor Dimukeje, offensive lineman James Hudson III, and quarterback Russell Wilson will also sit this one out.
Wilson’s name on the inactive list is especially notable - this marks the first time in his NFL career that he’s been a healthy scratch. It’s a clear signal that the Giants are moving in a different direction under center, at least for now.
Here’s a full look at the inactive lists for both teams:
Patriots Inactives:
- OL Jared Wilson
- DT Khyiris Tonga
- S Brenden Schooler
- EDGE Bradyn Swinson
- OL Marcus Bryant
- TE CJ Dippre
- QB Tommy DeVito
Giants Inactives:
- EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux
- WR Jalin Hyatt
- LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles
- CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse
- EDGE Victor Dimukeje
- OL James Hudson III
- QB Russell Wilson
With both teams missing key pieces - and the Patriots in particular testing their depth in the trenches - this matchup could come down to who adapts better on the fly. Expect New England to lean on its patchwork O-line to hold the fort, while the Giants will look to capitalize on any protection breakdowns. In a game where execution will matter just as much as talent, the margins could get tight - and every snap will count.