Report: Patriots to get multiple linebackers back against Jaguars

The Patriots should be near or at full strength at linebacker on Sunday against the Jaguars, after a number of key players missed practice this week.

Matthew Judon, Ja’Whaun Bentley, and Brandon King are all expected to be active for Sunday, according to Jim McBride of The Boston Globe. The three players spent this week on the reserve/COVID list.

With Judon, Bentley, and King removed from the COVID list,  the Patriots have just three players remaining out due to COVID. They are quarterback Brian Hoyer, tackle Yodny Cajuste, and linebacker Josh Uche. The team has until 4 p.m. on Saturday to activate any players they want available for this week’s game.

Update: The Patriots also activated Hoyer and Uche off reserve/COVID before the 4 p.m. deadline, according to ESPN’s Field Yates.

McBride also added linebacker Dont’a Hightower is expected to be “ready for duty” against the Jaguars. Hightower was on the injury report all week with a knee injury. He was limited Wednesday and Thursday, then missed practice on Friday.

As for Jacksonville, the Jaguars activated seven players off reserve/COVID on Friday. 19 players remain on their COVID list.

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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.