WR Julian Edelman officially active for Patriots against Bills; LB Dont’a Hightower among inactives
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The New England Patriots released their list of inactive players for Sunday’s game in Buffalo against the Bills. Wide receiver Julian Edelman avoided the list and has been officially activated.
Edelman has reportedly been dealing with a chest contusion. He practiced in a limited capacity throughout the week for the Patriots.
All wide receivers, including rookie Jakobi Meyers and punt returner Gunner Olszewski, are active against the Bills.
Linebacker Dont’a Hightower is among the notable inactive players, as he deals with a shoulder injury suffered in Week 3 against the Jets. Coincidentally, the last game Hightower missed was also in Buffalo, in Week 8 of the 2018 season. Hightower had played in 21 out of the last 22 games (including playoffs) prior to Sunday.
The Patriots defense has played without key pieces and continued to dominate in the first month of the 2019 season; shutting down the Bills without Hightower would be the latest example of their depth.
Here’s the full list of inactive players for the Patriots against the Bills:
OL Caleb Benenoch
DL Byron Cowart
OL Korey Cunningham
RB Damien Harris
LB Dont’a Hightower
QB Cody Kessler
CB Joejuan Williams
#Patriots inactives. pic.twitter.com/76Soo6w7si
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 29, 2019
Also among the notable active players is left tackle Marshall Newhouse, who missed Thursday’s practice with an illness. Center/guard James Ferentz and guard/tackle Jermaine Eluemounor are the backup offensive linemen for the Patriots against the Bills.
Edelman caught seven of 10 targets for 62 yards and a touchdown in the Patriots’ 30-14 win over the Jets in Week 3 prior to the chest injury. He has 17 catches for 196 yards and a score through three games in 2019.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
