The New England Patriots won’t be affected by COVID-19 against the Jaguars, as the five players who were placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list Monday will be activated and available vs. Jacksonville. The four linebackers, Matt Judon, Ja’Whuan Bentley, Josh Uche, and LB/ST Brandon King, as well as backup QB Brian Hoyer, will be available according to Field Yates and Jim McBride.
In addition to OLB Matt Judon, LB Ja'Whaun Bentley and ST Brandon King being activated (as @globejimmcbride), the Patriots also will activate back-up QB Brian Hoyer and Edge Josh Uche from the COVID-19 list, as they both have a chance to be available tomorrow.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 1, 2022
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.
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.