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In case you haven't heard by now, the New England Patriots will face off against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday at Gillette Stadium.
Prior to one of the most anticipated regular-season games of all time, here’s a look at who’s in and who’s out for both squads.
Patriots inactives
OT Trent Brown
DE Ronnie Perkins
CB Joejuan Williams
LB Ja’Whaun Bentley
CB Shaun Wade
RB Rhamondre Stevenson
TE Devin Asiasi
After listing eight players as questionable on Friday, just Trent Brown (calf) and Ja’Whaun Bentley (shoulder) have been downgraded to out for Sunday night. Brown will miss his third straight game as the right tackle position continues to be a weak point without him. As for the left side of the offensive line, tackle Isaiah Wynn (knee) will be active.
Despite Bentley being inactive, both Kyle Van Noy (groin) and Josh Uche (back) — who missed last week’s contest — will suit up. New England also elevated linebacker Jahlani Tavai on Saturday.
Defensive back Myles Bryant was also elevated with Tavai and will get the nod over corner Joejuan Williams. Also in the secondary, both J.C. Jackson (knee) and Kyle Dugger (hamstring) are active after being labeled with the questionable tag.
Offensively, wide receiver N’Keal Harry will make his season debut. Harry was activated to the 53-man roster from the injured reserve on Saturday.
Running backs coach Ivan Fears hinted throughout the week that rookie Rhamondre Stevenson could be a part of replacing James White, who landed on the IR with a hip injury. The rookie will have to wait to appear in his new potential role, however.
Buccaneers inactives
WR Jaelon Darden
QB Kyle Trask
RB Giovani Bernard
CB Jamel Dean
G Nick Leverett
TE Rob Gronkowski
OLB Jason Pierre-Paul
The Buccaneers themselves will be without multiple starters on both sides of the ball, headlined by tight end Rob Gronkowski, who will not get to join Tom Brady in this week’s homecoming matchup. Gronk was ruled out on Saturday as he reportedly deals with multiple broken ribs and a punctured lung.
As for Tampa’s dismantled secondary, they will be without cornerback Jamel Dean, but Carlton Davis — who was listed as questionable with an abdominal/ribs injury — will be active. Newly signed cornerback Richard Sherman will also be active and is expected to play in his Tampa Bay debut.
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