The unofficial depth chart for the New England Patriots ahead of their regular season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals has been revealed.
There are no surprises at quarterback considering the team already announced that Jacoby Brissett would be the starter over rookie Drake Maye. However, there are some interesting notes at wide receiver with K.J. Osborn, DeMario Douglas and Ja’Lynn Polk serving as the top-three options.
Rookie fourth-round draft pick Javon Baker has also fallen on the depth chart behind Tyquan Thornton as a third-string option.
On the offensive line, rookie Layden Robinson has been bumped as a starter at right guard across from left guard Sidy Sow, who could miss the opener with an ankle injury.
Here is the full depth chart for the Patriots ahead of Sunday’s game:
Offense
| Wide receiver | K.J. Osborn | Tyquan Thornton | Javon Baker |
| Left tackle | Chukwuma Okorafor | Vederian Lowe | Demontrey Jacobs |
| Left guard | Sidy Sow | Nick Leverett | |
| Center | David Andrews | Nick Leverett | |
| Right guard | Layden Robinson | Zack Thomas | |
| Right tackle | Mike Onwenu | Caedan Wallace | |
| Tight end | Hunter Henry | Austin Hooper | Jaheim Bell |
| Wide receiver | DeMario Douglas | ||
| Wide receiver | Ja’Lynn Polk | Kayshon Boutte | |
| Quarterback | Jacoby Brissett | Drake Maye | Joe Milton III |
| Running back | Rhamondre Stevenson | Antonio Gibson | JaMycal Hasty |
Defense
| Defensive end | Keion White | Deatrich Wise Jr. | |
| Defensive tackle | Davon Godchaux | Eric Johnson II | |
| Defensive tackle | Daniel Ekuale | Jeremiah Pharms Jr. | |
| Outside linebacker | Anfernee Jennings | Joshua Uche | |
| Linebacker | Ja’Whaun Bentley | Raekwon McMillan | |
| Linebacker | Jahlani Tavai | Christian Elliss | |
| Cornerback | Jonathan Jones | Alex Austin | |
| Safety | Jabrill Peppers | Dell Pettus | |
| Safety | Kyle Dugger | Jaylinn Hawkins | Brenden Schooler |
| Cornerback | Marcus Jones | Marcellas Dial Jr. | |
| Cornerback | Christian Gonzalez | Marco Wilson |
Special teams
| Kicker | Joey Slye | ||
| Punter | Bryce Baringer | ||
| Holder | Bryce Baringer | ||
| Punt return | Marcus Jones | DeMario Douglas | |
| Kick return | Marcus Jones | Antonio Gibson | |
| Long snapper | Joe Cardona |
The Patriots finished last season with a top-10 defensive unit, but they’ll be tested right out of the gates without their two best defensive players, Christian Barmore and Matthew Judon.
Barmore is out indefinitely after being diagnosed with blood clots, and Judon was traded to the Atlanta Falcons.
The unit now faces the daunting task of trying to stop quarterback Joe Burrow and an explosive Bengals’ offense on the road.
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