TL;DR
- New England Patriots heavily favored against New York Jets for Week 11 Thursday Night Football.
- Patriots rule out RB Rhamondre Stevenson, WR Kayshon Boutte, and TE Austin Hooper due to injuries.
- Rookie TreVeyon Henderson and Kyle Williams expected to see increased roles with key offensive players out.
- The Patriots hope extended rest after Thursday's game aids player recovery from injuries.
The New England Patriots will be heavily favored to beat the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football to begin Week 11.
The injury report isn't doing the Pats any favors, though.
The annual period has arrived. With The Jets missing their star wide receiver, Garrett Wilson, perhaps New England has no legitimate grievances.
MORE: The Brian Daboll firing is all about Jaxson Dart
New England Patriots' injury update
The Pats have ruled out four players for Thursday's game as of Wednesday evening.
That includes just one defender, linebacker Christian Elliss.
The big absences come on offense.
The Patriots ruled out RB Rhamondre Stevenson, WR Kayshon Boutte and TE Austin Hooper.
With Stevenson out, rookie TreVeyon Henderson is poised for another significant role, having scored touchdowns from 55 and 69 yards in Week 10. The second-string running back, Terrell Jennings, is listed as questionable for the game due to a knee issue, having participated in three limited practices.
Boutte is sidelined for a second consecutive week due to a hamstring issue. Despite being listed with limitations on the injury report throughout the week, he's not cleared to play. This situation opens the door for Rookie Kyle Williams to see increased playing time once more, shortly after Williams recorded a 72-yard touchdown reception.
Hooper's absence due to a concussion means he won't practice this week. With Hooper sidelined, Hunter Henry is a more assured option at the top of the tight end depth chart.
Despite the potential loss of some offensive firepower, the Patriots anticipate that the extended rest following a Thursday night game will aid their players in recovering from injuries.
More NFL news:
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- Patriots are re-signing Rob Gronkowski, but there's a catch
- Jaire Alexander is making an unexpected NFL career move
- An NFL defensive tackle is leaving football to play pro lacrosse
- Do the Falcons have a Michael Penix Jr. Problem?
- Giants' new coach once threw 78 passes in the Outback Bowl