FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots and New York Jets are preparing for an early-season AFC East clash on Sunday, with both franchises managing significant roster questions ahead of the Week 6 divisional matchup.
New England enters the contest at 3-2 after consecutive victories over the Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders, while New York sits at 2-3 following a Week 5 win against the Cleveland Browns. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Eastern time on Sunday at Gillette Stadium.
Patriots offensive starters return to practice
The Patriots received positive developments on the practice field Thursday. Left tackle Will Campbell participated in full pads after sustaining a medial collateral ligament injury during Sunday’s game, reporter Mark Daniels reported. Campbell took snaps with the starting unit during open practice periods, just days after leaving the field against the Raiders.
Campbell previously dealt with an MCL issue a season ago. While initial assessments suggested he could be sidelined for several games, Patriots Head Coach Mike Vrabel adopted an open approach earlier in the week, telling reporters the team would monitor Campbell day by day. Quarterback Drake Maye also commended the tackle’s resilience on Wednesday, emphasizing his willingness to battle through physical wear.
When Campbell exited in Week 5, rookie first-round selection Caleb Lomu took over at left tackle and posted a 98.0 pass block efficiency rating on 29 snaps without yielding a sack or quarterback hit, according to Pro Football Focus metrics.
New England’s offense could also see the return of wide receiver AJ Brown, who participated in practice Thursday for the first time since Week 1. Brown was placed on injured reserve after suffering a high ankle sprain in the opener against the Seattle Seahawks, missing the subsequent four contests.
Brown told reporters on Thursday that his recovery is moving in the right direction, though he noted that any decision on game activation will belong to Vrabel. Brown said his primary goal is ensuring long-term health rather than rushing back prematurely.
Jets face test without downfield threat
For the visiting Jets, Sunday’s contest marks their first divisional game of the year. New York went 0-6 in AFC East action last season and is attempting to reach the postseason for the first time since 2010.
Wide receiver Garrett Wilson acknowledged the significance of the matchup on Wednesday, calling it a pivotal moment in New York’s calendar as they attempt to even their record at .500.
“There’s a premium on this one because it is our first one,” Wilson said. “I don’t know how to exactly put it, but it’s a big-ass game.”
Wilson remains New York’s primary receiving option, posting team highs with 31 receptions, 373 yards and three touchdowns through five games. However, the Jets’ aerial attack has lacked depth in recent weeks due to injuries.
Head Coach Aaron Glenn confirmed Wednesday that wide receiver Adonai Mitchell underwent a minor procedure on his hand last week. Mitchell has missed three consecutive games, and after sitting out Wednesday’s session, he remains week-to-week and appears unlikely to play Sunday. Mitchell had recorded nine catches for 123 yards across the first two contests of the year.
Tight end Kenyon Sadiq has also been dealing with the NFL’s concussion protocol, further complicating New York’s targets. The Jets leaned heavily on their ground game in Week 5, when running back Braelon Allen rushed for a career-best 116 yards to snap a losing skid.
Both coaching staffs will release final injury designations on Friday to determine which questionable starters are cleared to play on Sunday.
