5 Patriots Most Likely to Be Inactive vs. Saints in Week 5
4. Sam Roberts
Switching over to defense, I wouldn't expect DL Sam Roberts to play in Week 5.
New England selected Roberts 200th overall out of Northwest Missouri State in 2022. He saw limited action as a rookie, recording just two sacks through five games. After a solid preseason showing this summer, the fanbase wondered if he could take his game to the next level.
After being inactive through the first two games, Roberts hasn't shown much over the last two weeks. He's played 38 total snaps over that span (31 defensive, 7 special teams), recording three total tackles.
While the coaching staff may give him another chance to shine with Matthew Judon being sidelined, I wouldn't be so sure. After all, fellow DL Trey Flowers returned to practice this week and appears to be on track to suit up against Las Vegas.
Three of the five IR/PUP players who are eligible to return this week are back at practice today:
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) October 4, 2023
OL Riley Reiff
DE Trey Flowers
ST Cody Davis
No sign of Tyquan Thornton or Jack Jones.
New practice squad DT Trysten Hill is here wearing No. 97. pic.twitter.com/HAXkI3vTwD
Flowers is a nine-year veteran with 31.5 sacks and 10 forced fumbles over 79 career games. He also spent the first four seasons of his career with the Patriots, winning two Super Bowls. Belichick is more than familiar with him and could give Flowers a shot since he's more of a known commodity compared to Roberts.
The Waynesville, MO native will get a chance to shine again one day, just likely not against the Saints this weekend.