Patriots face Bengals as Burrow returns healthy for new season
- Sidy Sow has been ruled out for the Patriots' Week 1 game against the Bengals due to an ankle injury.
- Vederian Lowe is questionable, and the Patriots may need to rotate players at left tackle.
- The absence of key players on both teams could influence the outcome of the game.
The New England Patriots will face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1 of the NFL season without starting left guard Sidy Sow, who has been ruled out due to an ankle injury sustained during the preseason. Sow has not practiced for two weeks, making his absence expected. In his place, the Patriots are likely to utilize Nick Leverett and Michael Jordan at left guard, with Zach Thomas also a potential option. Left tackle Vederian Lowe is listed as questionable after being limited in practice due to an abdomen issue, which may necessitate a rotation with Chuks Okorafor at left tackle during the game. In addition to Sow's absence, running back Antonio Gibson and linebacker Josh Uche are also questionable for the matchup, with Gibson limited in practice while Uche participated fully. The Patriots have seen some positive news on the injury front, as six players were removed from the injury list, including key contributors like Hunter Henry and Jonathan Jones. The Bengals may also be dealing with injury concerns, as wide receiver Tee Higgins is doubtful with a hamstring injury, and Ja'Marr Chase is listed as questionable following a summer hold-in. These injuries could significantly impact the Bengals' offensive strategy against the Patriots. The game is set to take place in Cincinnati, with pregame coverage starting at 11:30 AM and kickoff scheduled for 1 PM. Fans can catch the action on WBZ-TV, which will also provide post-game analysis with Patriots 5th Quarter coverage.