Rising rookie Jack Jones listed among seven Patriots’ inactives vs Bengals

The Patriots could have big problems in the defensive backfield.

There could be big problems looming in the defensive backfield for the New England Patriots when looking at the team’s inactive list ahead of Saturday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The two names that stand out immediately are cornerbacks Jalen Mills and Jack Jones, particularly with the Patriots facing one of the more prolific passing attacks in the NFL. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is sitting pretty in an offense that includes the likes of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd at the receiver position.

Not having Mills and Jones in the backfield could prove to be a detriment for the Patriots in this must-win matchup.

The team will also be without wideout DeVante Parker and running back Damien Harris on offense. Both players have missed multiple weeks with injuries, and their absences won’t help an offensive unit that’s already struggling this season.

The Patriots are entering this game with a 7-7 record and their backs against the wall as far as playoff contention is concerned. They’ll somehow have to turn things around as underdogs at home against one of the hottest teams in football.

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WR Laquon Treadwell one of four practice players of the week for Patriots

The Patriots’ practice players of the week have been revealed

Former Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Laquon Treadwell is making himself at home with the New England Patriots. Per ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the former first-round draft pick was practicing in a black jersey on Wednesday, which indicates he’s one of the team’s practice players of the week.

Treadwell was actually coming off a career-season with the Jaguars before signing to the Patriots’ practice squad in early September. He hauled in 33 receptions for 434 yards and one touchdown in a one-and-done year in Jacksonville.

It’s a good sign to see that he clearly hit the ground running when arriving in New England.

Tight end Matt Sokol, offensive tackle Marcus Cannon and defensive tackle Sam Roberts were also wearing the honorary black jerseys at practice.

Roberts flashed throughout the preseason and even did a fun interview with Patriots Wire’s Cam Garrity heading into the season.

Meanwhile, Cannon has a long history with the team as a three-time Super Bowl champion. He was signed to the practice squad following the Patriots’ season-opening loss to the Miami Dolphins.

Sokol, on the other hand, has an uphill battle with Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith on the main roster. It could take an injury for him to receive the call up to play in games, but the black jersey on his back says he’s prepared to do exactly that if given an opportunity.

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Fun Q&A with Patriots rookie defensive tackle Sam Roberts

Patriots Wire’s Cam Garrity goes one-on-one with rookie defensive tackle Sam Roberts.

Sam Roberts is one heck of an athlete and one of my favorite players the Patriots selected in the 2022 NFL draft.

His rare size (6’5, 295lbs) and explosiveness should translate very well to the NFL game. In an interview through Twitter messenger, I had the pleasure of connecting with Roberts and asked him a few questions about life in the NFL and who he is as a person.

He was selected in the sixth round at No. 200 out of Northwest Missouri State. In four seasons with the Bearcats program, he most notably won the Cliff Harris Award, which honors the best, small college defensive player in the nation. Current Patriots’ safety, Kyle Dugger, was also a recipient of this award in 2020 when he was selected in the second round.

 

Cam: It’s been a few months since you were drafted. What’s it been like for you jumping into NFL training camp?

Sam: “It’s definitely been an adjustment coming from Northwest Missouri State. Everything at this level is elevated and everyone is good, so there’s never-ending competition. It’s been a fun experience so far and I’m ready for what’s to come.”

Cam: I know you mentioned before that you were a Patriots fan growing up. What moment sticks in your mind most in Patriots’ history?

Sam: “The 2017 Super Bowl, coming back from that 28-3 deficit. That was my freshman year of college. So I watched it in my dorm…had a few noise complaints…”

Cam: What is your favorite part about being in the NFL, so far?

Sam: “Favorite part is competing against the best daily. Being around great players pushes you to be better. The vets also pour a lot of wisdom into us young fits. So getting that knowledge is awesome.”

Cam: What is one area of your game you feel is the strongest, and one area you wish to improve on?

Sam: “As for improvement, I’m just trying to improve my overall game, all facets of my game to be able to EXCEL at this level.”

Cam: What is your go-to, pre-game meal?

Sam: “Definitely gotta get me some seafood in the day before the game and some pasta. The best pasta is “Anthony’s Pasta” from A&G in Maryville Missouri!”

Cam: Favorite movie of all time?

Sam: “Real Steel 🔥

Cam: Favorite TV show right now?

Sam: “Stranger Things or Sweet Life”

Cam: What’s your guilty pleasure that probably isn’t on the nutrition plan for NFL athletes?

Sam: “Love me some white macadamia nut cookies and chocolate chip”

Cam: Are you into conspiracy theories? What’s one you totally believe in if so?

Sam: “I believe there may be a little truth in all theories 😅

Cam: If you could pick one superpower what would it be?

Sam: “Ability to read minds”

Cam: If you weren’t playing football, what would you be doing? Is there any specific hobby or passion you have outside of the game?

Sam: “Grad school working towards something in the healthcare field. Love working with the elderly.”

Cam: Last Question! What’s one thing you want to let Patriots Nation know as we get closer to the season?

Sam: “IM ONE OF THEM! AND I LOVE THE PATS!”

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