Patriots Could Take Unique Approach To Stopping 49ers Offense

The Patriots have done plenty of roster maneuvering through the early portion of the season, and one thing they’ve taken particular advantage of is the ability to elevate players off the practice squad.

Michael Jordan, for instance, parlayed two elevations into a full-time roster spot and three starts on the offensive line. Trysten Hill and Joe Giles-Harris — the two other players to be activated through three weeks — each received snaps defensively following their elevations. New England hasn’t wasted any chances to add to their game-day roster, having a particular role in mind for each elevation.

Who could be the beneficiary in Week 4 against the San Francisco 49ers?

Isaiah Bolden.

Bolden, who made the initial roster coming out of training camp, was almost immediately cut and sent back to the practice squad after the Patriots made four waiver claims in early August. New England has a rather deep group of cornerbacks on the active roster, so it made sense to send him down and have him continue to develop without taking up an active roster spot.

The Patriots might need him this week, though, as he provides something the majority of those cornerbacks just don’t have… size.

Bolden (6-foot-2) is the tallest cornerback on the active roster or practice squad, which could be advantageous as Jerod Mayo and DeMarcus Covington search for way to stop the bigger, faster and more talented 49ers.

San Francisco looks like it will be closer to full strength than initially believed, as tight end George Kittle (6-foot-4) and wide receiver Deebo Samuel (freak) returned to practice this week and appear like they’ll give it a go Sunday. The 49ers already have wide receiver Jauan Jennings (6-foot-3) playing some of the best football of his career, so it’s safe to say the Patriots will have their hands full.

Christian Gonzalez can hold his own against anyone we just named, but when you start looking at the cornerback depth behind him, it starts to become an issue. Jonathan Jones is 5-foot-9. Marcus Jones is 5-foot-8. Alex Austin is 6-foot-1, but he hasn’t practiced all week and likely won’t play. Who replaces Austin? Marco Wilson and/or Marcellus Dial, who both barely crack 6-foot.

New England needs size in the secondary, and there’s a clear option to add it. The Patriots would be wise to start preparing Bolden for his first legit game action in the NFL.