The Patriots could be missing some key linebacker depth Sunday against the Jaguars, as four linebackers, as well as Brian Hoyer, are on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. The list of four includes Josh Uche, Matt Judon, Ja’Whuan Bentley, and Brandon King.
Jacksonville, however, also has a heavy COVID list, racking up more than 10 players.
The Jaguars have placed 11 players on the reserve-COVID list: TE Dan Arnold, DT Malcom Brown, LB K'Lavon Chaisson, TE Luke Farrell, DT DaVon Hamilton, C Brandon Linder, TE Chris Manhertz, LB Lerentee McCray, LG Andrew Norwell, DL Jihad Ward, OL Jared Hocker (practice squad).
— Michael DiRocco (@ESPNdirocco) December 27, 2021
King has played mainly as a special teamer although his official position is linebacker. The 28-year-old has had a solid year after missing 2019 due to injury and opting out in 2020. Hoyer’s potential absence could mean Jarrett Stidham will dress his first game this year.
Judon, Bentley, and Uche will be bigger holes to fill. Judon has tallied a career-high 12.5 sacks this season and has been by far the Pats’ best defender. Bentley has been dealing with both a rib and ankle injury this season but has tallied one sack and 57 solo tackles while only missing one game.
Uche recently came off the IR, missing five games — but the second-year defender has racked up three sacks and eight solo tackles through 11 games.
With the NFL’s new rules, every one of these five players could end up playing Sunday vs. the Jags.