During his press conference on Wednesday, Patriots safety Devin McCourty said the Bengals’ pass catching group is “across the board, is probably the best group [in the NFL].” Ranking sixth in the league in passing despite star receiver Ja’Marr Chase missing about a month, it’s a group that’s tough to face on any day. However, it could be extra tricky for the Patriots this Saturday, based on their current cornerback situation.

On their first full practice report of the week, the Patriots’ top three cornerbacks are all listed. Jalen Mills (groin) was a non-participant, while Jonathan Jones (chest) and Jack Jones (knee) were both limited. Jonathan Jones is a new addition to the report – he wasn’t included on Tuesday’s ‘estimated’ injury report.

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In addition to Mills, the Patriots were without wide receiver DeVante Parker (concussion) and long snapper Joe Cardona (ankle). Parker was listed as a DNP on Tuesday, while Cardona was downgraded from limited.

Also added to the injury report was rookie wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (knee). He’s a new addition, and it’s his first time appearing on the report all season. Running backs Damien Harris (thigh) and Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (shoulder) were also limited. Tackle Yodny Cajuste (calf/back) was upgraded from a limited to full participant.

The Patriots did get some good injury-related news as well on Thursday. Punter Jake Bailey returned to practice after spending the last five weeks on IR – he’s now eligible to be activated for Saturday’s game. Rookie seventh round pick offensive tackle Andrew Stueber was also at practice. Stueber hasn’t been on the field since the draft after tearing his hamstring during an offseason workout. While it’s unlikely he gets activated over the next three weeks, he’ll get valuable on-field experience with the team as he ramps up to play a bigger role in 2023.

As for the Bengals, they are dealing with a number of injuries as well with 12 players listed on Wednesday’s injury report. That includes defensive linemen Sam Hubbard (calf) and new addition Jay Tufele (illness), who both didn’t practice.

Like the Patriots, they have multiple cornerbacks injured too. Eli Apple (ankle) joined Jalen Davis (thumb), Mike Hilton (knee) and Cam Taylor-Britt (shoulder) as questionable. Starting wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) was upgraded from a limited participant on Wednesday to a full participant on Thursday.

With this week’s game being on Saturday, the injury reporting process is moved up a day. The final injury reports from both teams and game statuses will come out Thursday afternoon.

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.