Patriots-Rams Inactives: Star Defenders Return, Newcomer Debuts

FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots defense will receive some major reinforcements Sunday.

Christian Barmore is active for the first time this season, Kyle Dugger will return from a three-game absence and Yannick Ngakoue is slated to make his Patriots debut when New England hosts the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium.

Barmore, who signed a lucrative extension last offseason, missed the first 10 games after he was hospitalized with blood clots in training camp. The standout defensive tackle was activated to the 53-man roster Saturday.

The Patriots claimed Ngakoue off waivers last Friday and he practiced with the team for the first time Wednesday. Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo and teammates were enthusiastic about the addition of the 2017 Pro Bowler.

The Patriots, who are among the worst teams in the league at pressuring the quarterback from a four-man rush, should benefit from both additions.

Dugger, who hasn’t played since Oct. 20, missed three consecutive games with an ankle injury.

Patriots veteran K.J. Osborn is a healthy scratch for the third time this season. DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker are the active wideouts for New England.

Other inactives were on the injury report entering Sunday, including cornerback Alex Austin (ankle), defensive tackle Daniel Ekuele (abdomen), linebacker Christian Elliss (abdomen), offensive tackle Vederian Lowe (shoulder), safety Marte Mapu (neck), defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy (neck), linebacker Sione Takitaki (knee) and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr., (foot).

Here are the inactives for the Patriots:
WR K.J. Osborn
S Marte Mapu
QB Joe Milton III
OLB Ochaun Mathis
G Tyrese Robinson
DE Deatrich Wise Jr.
DT Jaquelin Roy

And the inactives for the Rams:
QB Stetson Bennett
CB Charles Woods
RB Cody Schrader
OL Dylan McMahon
OL Joe Noteboom
OL Rob Havenstein
DT Neville Gallimore

Kickoff from Gillette Stadium is slated for 1 p.m. ET.