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One week after returning to practice wasn’t enough as CB Stephon Gilmore is not expected to be active for the New England Patriots on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers. Gilmore was spotted leaving the stadium, according to NBC’s Phil Perry. The original report of Gilmore’s inactivity came from 98.5’s Marc Bertrand.
Stephon Gilmore seen leaving Gillette Stadium a few minutes ago. Hearing he won't be playing today.
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) October 29, 2017
Don't expect Stephon Gilmore to be active today.
— Marc Bertrand (@Marc_Bertrand) October 29, 2017
Gilmore missed the past two games with a concussion and an ankle injury and it seems like the Patriots are going to give him another week in addition to the week 9 bye to further rest up. He was still listed on the injury report with a concussion so there is a chance he was not yet cleared for live action.
Back-up CB Johnson Bademosi is expected to start for the third consecutive week opposite CB Malcolm Butler. With CB Eric Rowe inactive again, CB Jonathan Jones is the only depth at the position.
The Patriots will be without a starter at each level since DT Malcom Brown, LB Dont’a Hightower, and Gilmore will be inactive. This could get bumpy.