New England Patriots - NESN.com
If there’s one knock against the New England Patriots amid their stunning 7-2 first half, it’s that the team has faced an easy schedule.
Only three of the Patriots’ first nine opponents this season currently have winning records.
Though New England faces one of its biggest tests in Week 10 when the team faces the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2) on the road, Baker Mayfield and company may be severely shorthanded.
Starting running back Bucky Irving hasn’t played since Week 4 due to foot and shoulder injuries. Wide receiver Chris Godwin (fibula) has been limited to two games this year (and hasn’t suited up since Week 5) and linebacker Haason Reddick sat out Week 8 with ankle and knee ailments.
The trio of stars were still sidelined during Thursday’s practice, putting their statuses for Sunday in serious doubt.
“No Bucky Irving, Chris Godwin or Haason Reddick at practice today. T Luke Goedeke continues to practice and it’s going to be a call later this week but suspect he will play. Bucs have a 21 day window to activate him,” Buccaneers beat writer Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times posted on X.
Tampa Bay selected Irving in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft and the 23-year-old opened the season as Rachaad White’s backup.
Irving earned the starting job late in the year, however, and ended his debut campaign with a team-high 254 touches and 1,514 yards from scrimmage, while finishing sixth in the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year voting.
Godwin has been one of the Buccaneers most reliable offensive weapons since his 2017 rookie season, posting four 1000-yard receiving campaigns and earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2019.
The 29-year-old suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 7 last year and has struggled to stay healthy this fall as well.
Reddick signed with Tampa Bay in March and is a two-time Pro Bowler, earning the honors in 2022 and 2023 with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The 31-year-old is tied for third on the Buccaneers with five quarterback hits this season.
