Starting safety Jabrill Peppers is a late addition to the New England Patriots’ injury report ahead of Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The team revealed the news on Saturday.
Peppers potentially being out would be a huge loss for the Patriots on the backend of the defense. Per the injury designation, the veteran defensive back is dealing with a hip injury that has him listed as questionable to play in the season opener.
The Patriots will need all of the help they can get on the backend of the defense in a matchup against a returning Joe Burrow and the explosive Bengals offense.
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If Peppers can’t play, the Patriots would likely turn to veteran Jaylinn Hawkins to fill his role. Hawkins has plenty of experience as a starter, and he’s a solid option as a replacement.
But then again, there really is no replacing a player like Peppers on the roster.