Not only will the Patriots be without the majority of their offensive line on Sunday against the Texans, they’ll also be missing a key player in the secondary. On Saturday afternoon, the Patriots announced defensive back Jalen Mills and linebacker Ronnie Perkins won’t play in the team’s Week 5 matchup with the Houston Texans.
Mills was limited in practice all week with a hamstring injury. Through four games, Mills has played 88 percent of the Patriots’ defensive snaps, mainly at outside corner. Last week against Tampa, he played every one of the season-high 78 defensive plays.
Perkins was also limited all week, as he continues to deal with an ankle injury. The 2021 third-round pick has yet to be active for a game this year.
The Patriots now have five players ruled out for Sunday’s game, with Mills and Perkins joining offensive linemen Trent Brown (calf) and Shaq Mason (abdomen), and cornerback Shaun Wade (concussion). Brown, Mason, and Wade were ruled out on Friday’s injury report. The team will also likely be without starting tackle Isaiah Wynn and guard Michael Onwenu, who were placed on COVID-IR on Tuesday.
Because the Patriots active roster currently sits at 51 players, and the NFL gameday roster limit is 46 players, by ruling out five players they have already confirmed their inactive roster list for this week’s game. They still can elevate two players from the practice squad, a move that will likely happen later on Saturday. Interior offensive linemen James Ferentz and Alex Redmond are logical choices, given the current lack of depth up front.
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Alex Barth 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. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.