Patriots vs. Rams: Key Inactives, Barmore’s Return, and Game Day Preview

Patriots vs. Rams Game Preview

Inactives:

• Patriots: WR K.J. Osborn, S Marte Mapu (neck), OLB Ochaun Mathis, G Tyrese Robinson, DL Deatrich Wise (foot), DT Jaquelin Roy (neck), rookie Joe Milton (emergency third quarterback).
• Rams: QB Stetson Bennett, CB Charles Woods, RB Cody Schrader, OL Dylan McMahon, OL Joe Noteboom, OL Rob Havenstein, NT Neville Gallimore.

Defense Highlights:

• DT Christian Barmore is active after recovering from blood clots. He returns to bolster the pass rush, especially after missing time. Coach Jerod Mayo indicates Barmore will play sparingly to gauge his readiness.
• The Patriots ranked last in pressure generated by a four-man rush (24.8%). Barmore’s previous season performance showed he significantly boosted this rate.
• With DE Deatrich Wise and DT Jaquelin Roy absent, others must step up. Newcomer Yannick Ngakoue and DT Jeremiah Pharms will take on greater roles.
• The Patriots defense aims to build on its previous performance of nine sacks against the Bears.

Offense Overview:

• The offensive line remains consistent with LT Vederian Lowe, LG Michael Jordan, C Ben Brown, RG Mike Onwenu, and RT Trey Jacobs active.
• They averaged a 41.9% rushing success rate last week against a solid Bears defensive front.
• The Rams present a tougher challenge, ranking second in pressure rate. The Patriots must coordinate effectively to manage this threat during the game.

Pass-Catchers:

• The Patriots released WR Tyquan Thornton. Active receivers include Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas, Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, and Kendrick Bourne. Bourne’s usage will be crucial after he did not play last week.

Game Objective:

• The Patriots aim to secure their first two-game winning streak since late 2022. After a victory against Chicago, they seek to build momentum against the Rams.

Kickoff:

• The game will take place on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium.