Four Patriots players who could play key roles vs. Colts in Germany
The Patriots are shorthanded in Frankfurt, Germany as they get set to take on the Colts at 9:30 a.m. ET.
Wide receiver DeVante Parker (concussion), left tackle Trent Brown (personal/ankle) and cornerback J.C. Jackson (personal) did not make the trip from the United States.
With those three out and many other players on the roster struggling, expect these four players to take on bigger roles.
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RB Rhamondre Stevenson
Stevenson is finally looking like the player expected to line up in the backfield this season over the last two weeks. He’s set season-highs in yards after contact per rushing attempt in two straight weeks.
Averaging just 2.6 yards after contact per attempt, Stevenson picked up 32 yards after contact on 10 attempts in the Week 8 loss to the Dolphins. He picked up 78 yards after contact on nine attempts last week against the Commanders.
Among 63 qualified running backs, Stevenson ranks 39th in the metric this season. He was 57th just two short weeks ago.
Stevenson has also been helped out by an offensive line settled by moving Mike Onwenu from guard to right tackle. Conor McDermott started at left tackle last week, but the unit is certainly better when Brown is healthy and manning that spot.
Brown isn’t the only key piece that the Patriots’ offensive line will be missing in Week 10. Offensive line coach Adrian Klemm is expected to miss time with an illness as the Patriots are set up in Germany.
They’ll have their hands full with Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
The Patriots tried giving Kendrick Bourne’s snaps at the “Z” wide receiver spot to Tyquan Thornton last week, but the second-year pro was benched after a quarter and a half. So, then Smith-Schuster played a major role before dropping QB Mac Jones’ final pass of the game, which bounced into Commanders cornerback Jartavius Martin’s arms for an interception.
It’s difficult to imagine the Patriots going back to giving Thornton key snaps after last week. And based on how he was utilized in Week 1, it seems the Patriots view rookie Kayshon Boutte as more of an “X” wide receiver.
So, re-enter Smith-Schuster? Before his drop, he set season highs with six catches for 51 yards. He finally got in the end zone for a touchdown in the Patriots’ Week 8 loss to the Dolphins.
It’s far too early to say Smith-Schuster is trending upwards. But at least he’s made somewhat of an impact in the last two weeks.
Jalen Reagor and Boutte are the top options to start in place of Parker.
DT Christian Barmore
Barmore has been one of the Patriots’ best defenders over the last four weeks when he’s registered 13 total pressures, two sacks, three batted passes and 12 defensive stops.
Patriots.com’s Evan Lazar points out that Barmore ranks third in pressures, second in pass-rush grade and third in run stops among all NFL interior defensive linemen over that time span.
Barmore was considered a first-round talent when he came out of Alabama in 2021. The Patriots traded up to take him in the second round of that draft, and he’s finally fully playing up to his potential.
The Patriots will need help this week stopping Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, who, when healthy, is one of the best rushers in the NFL. Taylor is averaging 3.48 yards after contact per attempt since being activated off of the PUP list in Week 5.
CB Shaun Wade
Jackson wasn’t practicing or traveling this week, which means the team will need to dip into their reserves for cornerback help.
Wade actually started Week 9 but barely played after getting replaced by Jackson in the third defensive series. He’ll likely share snaps with Jack Jones, who like Jackson was also disciplined in Week 8, across from Jonathan Jones with Myles Bryant manning the slot.
Wade, a 2021 fifth-round pick in a short stint with the Ravens, has been with the Patriots for three seasons now. He’s played in eight games with two starts but didn’t play on defense in Weeks 7 and 8.
The Ohio State product has played 162 defensive snaps this season. He’s allowed 13 catches on 18 targets for 168 yards, per PFF.
The Colts’ top wide receivers are impending free agent Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie Josh Downs, who missed Week 9 with a knee injury. Neither matchup would be an easy one for Wade.
The Patriots could elect to elevate one of their cornerbacks from the practice squad in Breon Borders or Azizi Hearn. Recently signed rookie Alex Austin also is an option to play.
