It’s been heavily mentioned that the New England Patriots are entering Week 13 without two starting offensive linemen, but it hasn’t been nearly talked about enough how the defense could also be operating without two starters this week against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.
The Patriots' defense could be without both linebacker Harold Landry (knee) and defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga (chest), as the team listed them as questionable for Monday after they were injured last week against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Fortunately for the Patriots, defensive line depth is not too much of a concern as it is at linebacker with this team. Last week, the Pats worked a rotation of Cory Durden, Eric Gregory, and practice squad call-up Jeremiah Pharms Jr. to work along the line next to Christian Barmore. Joshua Farmer should also be available for this game after returning to practice this week.
To be fair, Landry has been managing the injury for a few weeks, and it could explain why his production has decreased over the last month. This is the second straight week that he will go into a game tagged as questionable. Landry has only one sack since Week 8 after racking up six in the first seven weeks.
Patriots Need To Rely On Depth Again In Week 13 Before Bye Week
When it comes to Landry and the depth to the edge position, the Patriots have leaned on veteran Anfernee Jennings and rookie Elijah Ponder. The Patriots recently signed rookie Bradyn Swinson to the active roster from the practice squad. He could also start getting into the mix on defense as soon as Monday against the Giants.
Linebacker Jack Gibbens is another heavily used player to keep in mind. He’s filled in valiantly all over the defense this season and is a key part of special teams. But with a mostly healthy position group back on the field, Gibbens’ defensive snap counts have started to decrease.
If the Patriots are without Landry, and it wouldn’t be too surprising, as it seems head coach Mike Vrabel is valuing health for the playoffs more than anything with his players, it would likely be a rotation of sorts similar to the defensive line. This would include the likes of Gibbens, Jennings, Ponder, and Swinson.
Next week, the Patriots have their bye week, which this team greatly needs. It’s the last set of byes for the season, and it couldn’t come soon enough for the Pats as they prepare for a deep playoff run, the first since 2021. Although taking a week off could halt momentum, the Patriots need to regain health more than anything.
It’s worth mentioning that special teams leader Brenden Schooler has already been ruled out with an ankle injury, not to mention Milton Williams is on injured reserve for a few more weeks. Also, Pharms will need to be elevated from the practice squad to be activated for this game. It would be his second straight elevation.
Hopefully, the Patriots' defensive depth can rise to the occasion on Monday night, as that would give them plenty of confidence heading into the final stretch.