5 Patriots Most Likely to Be Inactive vs. Commanders in Week 9

4. Conor McDermott

With Calvin Anderson (illness) and Vederian Lowe (ankle) both out last week, Conor McDermott was elevated from the practice squad as offensive line depth. He did not play in the game, however, and has since been assigned back to the practice squad.

Assuming at least one of those guys returns this week, McDermott will likely be inactive this week. The veteran tackle hasn't played at all this year and was seemingly brought back merely as an insurance option after the Pats injury-waived him prior to Week 1.

With such a pivotal game coming up, it wouldn't make much sense to activate the 31-year-old and put him on the field for the first time this season. New England's offensive line is slowly getting healthier, so McDermott probably doesn't crack the active roster this week.