Shhh! It’s football day, we might actually see a Patriots game on a Sunday, so let’s not scare it away! Here’s your Game Day supplement for all of the latest news ahead of this afternoon’s Week 6 encounter against the Denver Broncos.
More Positive Tests…
After having their last two games re-scheduled a number of times, the Patriots finally look set to play this afternoon as scheduled. But, the COVID-19 problems still linger around the franchise. Yesterday, a report by Field Yates advised that Sony Michel, Shaq Mason, and Derek Rivers were being placed on the reserve/COVID list.
Now, this is frustrating, but there is some reassurance that Cam is back, along with Gilmore. The team has also promoted a number of players to fill the gaps left, but far from ideal.
Roster Moves
Main Roster
DT Carl Davis (Signed from Jaguars PS)
OL Caleb Benenoch (Promoted from PS)*
DT Nick Thurman (CV19 replacement)*
WR Isaiah Zuber (CV19 replacement)*
DE Rashad Berry (CV19 replacement)*
*Main roster promotions will revert back to PS after the game
Released
TE Paul Quessenberry (PS)
Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list
RB Sony Michel
OL Shaq Mason
DE Derek Rivers
The Carl Davis signing to the main roster will add some size and much-needed depth to the front line, Benenoch comes in for offensive line help after Mason was sidelined.
Damien Harris should expect to continue leading the backfield, with Sony’s absence, this is a prime opportunity for Harris to put back-to-back 100-yard rushing games and cement his place as a regular contributor.
Injury Check-In
In Friday’s injury report the Patriots had three questionable for today’s game, Denver however, will be without some key players.
New England Patriots
OUT
NONE
DOUBTFUL
NONE
QUESTIONABLE
DL Adam Butler (Shoulder)
WR Julian Edelman (Knee)
OL Isaiah Wynn (Calf)
Denver Broncos
OUT
TE Noah Fant (Ankle)
RB Melvin Gordon (Illness- not COVID related)
LB Jeremiah Attaochu (Quad)
WR KJ Hamler (Hamstring)
DOUBTFUL
NONE
QUESTIONABLE
DT Mike Purcell (Knee)
QB Drew Lock (Shoulder)
Fant and Gordon were both questionable on Friday, but yesterday they were officially ruled out, a couple of big losses for Denver. Drew Lock is expected to play after a few weeks out with a shoulder problem.
With Shaq Mason now out, just three Patriots are questionable today, but expect them all to start.
Salary Cap Update
As always, here’s your weekly check-in from @patscap! The current cap number stands at $23,164,438 following yesterday’s roster moves.
The trade deadline is looming and still, the Patriots have space to absorb a fairly substantial contract if they decide to bring someone in. Our own Jason Pombo talked about a few different players the Patriots could be interested in.
November 3 is the actual deadline, and remember, Bill isn’t shy of making some moves leading up to that date, last year Mohamed Sanu was acquired in the final weeks of the trade period.
Fantasy Starts (PPR)
QB Cam Newton
He’s back! And he should also be back in your fantasy lineup. Now, it’s a fair point that he may have a slow week back into things after spending the last few weeks recovering from COVID-19, but, I think he’ll have a big game. Denver hasn’t got the best D in the league, and Cam has shown he can still run and pass the ball effectively. Week 3 – 11.18 Week 6 projected points (NFL Fantasy) – 19.06 – Average points – 23.82
RB Damien Harris
Harris had a steady start as the lead back against the Chiefs, he rushed for 100 yards from 17 touches averaging 5.9 a carry. With Sony sidelined, I have a gut feeling Harris is going to have a monster game today. Obviously, if you have greater RB options then maybe get him in the flex position, but if you want to take a punt on someone, get him in. Week 4 – 10.00 Week 6 projected points (NFL Fantasy) – 10.44– Average points – 10.00
WR Julian Edelman
A few quiet weeks since his career-high game against Seattle in Week 2, Jules could fire back today against the Broncos. With Newton projected to lead the attack once more, Jules will have a competent QB who will deliver him the ball often. Whilst he doesn’t grab many TD passes, he could get a lot of targets, which is money in PPR. Week 4 – 6.50 Week 6 projected points (NFL Fantasy) – 13.38 Average points – 12.40
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