Patriots Injury Report: Three Starters Ruled Out For Bengals Game

There will be a new long snapper for the first time since 2014

The Patriots will be shorthanded Saturday afternoon.

New England on Thursday ruled out three starters for its Week 16 home game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Receiver DeVante Parker and cornerback Jalen Mills will miss their second and third consecutive contests, respectively, while long snapper Joe Cardona will miss a game for the first time in his seven-year career.

The Patriots haven’t started a long snapper other than Cardona since 2014. His streak of 127 consecutive games was the longest on the team.

New England also listed six players as questionable, including running back Damien Harris, cornerback Jack Jones and receivers Tyquan Thornton and Jakobi Meyers.

Here’s the full injury report:

OUT
LS Joe Cardona, Ankle (DNP)
CB Jalen Mills, Groin (DNP)
WR DeVante Parker, Concussion (DNP)

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QUESTIONABLE
RB Damien Harris, Thigh (LP)
CB Jack Jones, Knee (LP)
CB Jonathan Jones, Chest (LP)
WR Jakobi Meyers, Shoulder (LP)
RB Rhamondre Stevenson, Ankle (LP)
WR Tyquan Thornton, Knee (LP)

The Patriots will conduct a closed walkthrough Friday before facing the Bengals on Saturday afternoon. Kickoff from Gillette Stadium is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.

New England is guaranteed a spot in the NFL postseason if it wins its final three regular-season games.

About the Author

Dakota Randall

Plymouth State/Boston University product from Wolfeboro, NH, who now is based in Rhode Island. Have worked at NESN since 2016, covering the Patriots since 2021. Might chat your ear off about Disney World, Halo 2, and Lord of the Rings.