FOXBORO — As expected, the Patriots will enter the 2024 NFL season with just four-fifths of their starting offensive line intact.

Left guard Sidy Sow, who has not practiced since injuring his ankle in New England’s preseason finale, officially was ruled out for Sunday’s season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Along with center David Andrews, Sow was one of just two locked-in starters on the Patriots’ revolving O-line this summer. With the second-year pro unavailable for Week 1, expect Nick Leverett or practice squadder Michael Jordan to start to Andrews’ left.

Leverett and Jordan both signed with New England in March, with Jordan released during final roster cuts.

An additional three Patriots players were listed as questionable: offensive tackle Vederian Lowe (abdomen), running back Antonio Gibson (hip) and edge rusher Joshua Uche (foot). Lowe and Gibson were limited in Friday’s practice; Uche was a full participant.

Before practice, head coach Jerod Mayo said Lowe was making “encouraging” progress after suffering his injury midway through the preseason.

Lowe was repping as the Patriots’ top left tackle before his absence; since then, it’s been Chukwuma Okorafor in that spot. Both could see action against Cincinnati, as Mayo didn’t rule out employing an O-line rotation.

“That’s under consideration,” he said. “I think you have to — once again, everyone has their own level of conditioning. So, if someone’s tired, then we’ll get them out.”

A potential problem with that approach is that New England lacks proven depth up front. Its other O-line backups are third-round rookie Caedan Wallace, who struggled in training camp, and waiver-wire pickups Zach Thomas and Demontrey Jacobs, who joined the team just last week.

“It’s a possibility,” Mayo replied when asked whether the waiver additions would be ready to contribute this weekend.

The Patriots also have Liam Fornadel and post-cutdown newcomers Caleb Jones, Bryan Hudson and Jerome Carvin on their practice squad.

Midway through the preseason, Mayo said he saw a “dramatic drop-off” from the top O-line to the second and third units. Consistency from that position group will be vital as New England eyes an offensive resurgence under new coordinator Alex Van Pelt.

Mike Onwenu and fourth-round rookie Layden Robinson are expected to start at right tackle and right guard, respectively.

“Everyone has to be ready to go,” Mayo said. “I feel good about the practice reps and how we split those up amongst the group. Our expectation for the game is to go out there, play good football, play with good fundamentals and win.”

The Bengals, meanwhile, could be without their top two receivers on Sunday. Tee Higgins is listed as doubtful after missing Friday’s practice with a hamstring injury, and Ja’Marr Chase is questionable amid a contract dispute. Offensive tackle Amarius Mims (pectoral) and defensive tackle Kris Jenkins (thumb) are out for Cincinnati.