The New England Patriots will be shorthanded heading into Sunday’s Week 4 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys.
On Saturday, the team announced cornerback Jonathan Jones and guard Cole Strange have been downgraded as out for the game. So the veteran starters will not be making the trip to Dallas.
Buy Patriots TicketsIt has been a game of musical chairs for the Patriots on the offensive line with players being in and out of the lineup. Last week’s game against the New York Jets was the first time the four main starters—Strange, Trent Brown, Mike Onwenu and David Andrews—have been on the field together for a game this season.
The good news for the Patriots is rookie Atonio Mafi has received plenty of work with the top unit. So he’ll be ready to step up and help fill the void. Sidy Sow is also expected to be back in action after clearing concussion protocol.
Meanwhile, Jones hasn’t played since Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles. His absence, along with both Marcus Jones and Jack Jones being on injured reserve, has created a serious void in the defensive backfield.
Fortunately, the Patriots have been able to hide it to some degree, thanks to the otherworldly level of play from rookie first-round draft pick Christian Gonzalez. Myles Bryant and Shaun Wade have also stepped up as contributors.
Jonathan Jones and Cole Strange have been downgraded to out for #NEvsDAL. pic.twitter.com/qIsXR6EJZc
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 30, 2023
Being shorthanded is nothing new for this Patriots team, but it’s something they’ll have to continue to overcome if they hope to pull off an upset on Sunday.
