The Patriots will be without tight end Jonnu Smith Sunday, while Gunner Olszewski and Damien Harris’ absences were announced yesterday. New England also has four other healthy scratches — which includes Jarrett Stidham, who came off the PUP list this week.
Trent Brown will be suiting up for his first game since suffering a calf injury in Week 1, while Matt Lacosse, elevated from the practice squad, and Devin Asiasi will fill in for the injured Smith. Asiasi, who has been living on the inactive report this season, will make his season debut.
Shaun Wade, Yasir Durant, and Ronnie Perkins continue to live on the inactive report as well.
The Patriots will also have both J.J. Taylor and Rhamondre Stevenson available to them in the backfield today. The pair of tailbacks have flip-flopped each week on the inactive report, but they’ll both play today due to RB1 Damien Harris (concussion) being out. In addition, New England will be without Jamie Collins, who was placed on IR Saturday.
This one will be a big game, as it will have major implications on the AFC’s playoff race.
Inactive report in full reside:
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (5-4) INACTIVES:
CB Shaun Wade
DE Ronnie Perkins
TE Jonnu Smith
C Yasir Durant
RB Damien Harris
QB Jarrett Stidham
WR Gunner Olszewski
CLEVELAND BROWNS (5-4) INACTIVES:
CB Greedy Williams
S Richard LeCounte III
LB Tony Fields II
DE Takkarist McKinley
WR Ja’Marcus Bradley
DT Sheldon Day