Patriots on track to have only three healthy receivers vs. Cowboys
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Patriots appear to be preparing for the absence of wide receiver Phillip Dorsett on Sunday against the Cowboys. According to
Dorsett did not participate in practice for the Patriots on Wednesday, but was upgraded to limited participation on Thursday and Friday. He had to leave last Sunday’s 17-10 win over the Eagles during the third quarter with a concussion.
Mohamed Sanu is also dealing with a potentially costly injury of his own. Reportedly dealing with a high ankle sprain, Sanu missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday. However, Sanu was upgraded to limited on Friday so the possibility remains that he could tough it out against Dallas. But even if active, Sanu’s effectiveness with his injury would be a big question mark. (UPDATE: Sanu reportedly has a slim chance of playing, but appears unlikely and would be severely limited if he’s active.
Mohamed Sanu of the New England Patriots is tackled by Rudy Ford of the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field on November 17, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The likelihood is that Tom Brady leans on Julian Edelman even more than usual and that the Patriots elevate their two rookie wideouts, N’Keal Harry and Jakobi Meyers, to major roles against the Cowboys. They also signed Quincy Adeboyejo to the practice squad this week, but would have to make a corresponding roster move to promote him to the main roster.
The Patriots have played 88.5 percent of all offensive snaps in “11” personnel (three WRs) over the last two games, so it’ll be challenging to run the offense the same way with just three active wideouts for the offense. They’d be one injury away from special teams captain Matthew Slater having to take emergency snaps as a receiver.
Top all of this off with the fact that Brady himself appeared on Friday’s injury report out of nowhere with a right elbow. But it’s not expected to keep him out of the game on Sunday.
Matt Dolloff is a 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.
