Patriots vs. Bengals injury analysis: New England in good shape after Week 1 win

The New England Patriots have a lot to feel good about. Thanks to an upset 16-10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, they started a season 1-0 for the first time in four years and gave head coach Jerod Mayo a perfect debut.

Adding to the positive vibes is the fact that the team appears to be in pretty decent physical shape. Let’s take an admittedly brief look at the damage suffered in Week 1 after re-watching the contest.

Injury analysis

QB Jacoby Brissett: The Patriots’ starting quarterback absorbed some hard hits against the Bengals, with the biggest collision arguably happening in the late second quarter. Brissett escaped the pocket, and was met rather violently by cornerback Dax Hill. The veteran was a bit slow to get up, but it appears he did not sustain any injury in the process: Brissett finished the game playing all 65 offensive snaps without any noticeable problems, and in another indication that he is fine has since gone through the usual media availabilities.

What this means for the Patriots

The Patriots exited the game against the Bengals with no injury announcements made by the club, and Brissett also seemingly OK. Needless to say that this is good news for a team that might even get some reinforcements this week.

Starting left guard Sidy Sow, who missed the entire week of practice due to an ankle injury sustained in the preseason finale, was replaced by practice squad elevatee Michael Jordan against the Bengals. His outlook is uncertain at this point in time, but unless there are any setbacks more recovery time increases the chance of a return.

The same is also true for the players who were also listed on the injury report last week, even though they ended up playing in the game. The statuses of RB Antonio Gibson (hip), OT Vederian Lowe (abdomen), LB Joshua Uche (foot) and S Jabrill Peppers (hip) are worth watching this week, but they too appear to be headed in a positive direction.

The Patriots’ first injury report of the week, which is set to be released on Wednesday afternoon, will give us more information about where the team stands injury-wise.

New England will return home for its Week 2 game against the Seattle Seahawks. Kickoff at Gillette Stadium is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 15.