EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — In many ways, we learned more about the 2025 Patriots based on what transpired before their preseason finale than anything that happened between the lines against the Giants.
— In many ways, we learned more about the 2025 Patriots based on what transpired before their preseason finale than anything that happened between the lines against the Giants.
The Patriots sat 31 of their 91 players on Thursday night, and it was an ugly day for the backups in the 42-10 loss.
Cornerback Christian Gonzalez, wide receivers Ja’Lynn Polk, Kyle Williams, Kendrick Bourne and Efton Chism, running back Terrell Jennings, outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings and linebacker Jahlani Tavai are dealing with injuries, so that explains their absences.
But the fact that OLB Harold Landry, WR DeMario Douglas, RB Antonio Gibson, CB Carlton Davis, WR Stefon Diggs, WR Kayshon Boutte, QB Drake Maye, WR Mack Hollins, LB Robert Spillane, S Jaylinn Hawkins, CB Marcus Jones, RB TreVeyon Henderson, RB Rhamondre Stevenson, OLB K’Lavon Chaisson, LB Christian Elliss, C Garrett Bradbury, LT Will Campbell, RG Mike Onwenu, RT Morgan Moses, TE Austin Hooper, TE Hunter Henry, DT Christian Barmore, DT Khyiris Tonga and DT Milton Williams weren’t required to play bodes well for their status on the 53-man roster before Tuesday’s cutdowns.
It was a surprise to see defensive end Keion White and safety Jabrill Peppers not included in that list. Both players seem like roster locks, but they were heavily involved in the first half. Peppers took a bad angle on a 50-yard reception from Giants wide receiver (and old friend) Gunner Olszewski. White lost his spot in the first-team defense to K’Lavon Chaisson in practice this week and came away with one hurry.
