Latest Patriots Practice Confirms One Key Absence For Week 1

The New England Patriots are kicking off their 2024 campaign with a tough matchup on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals. With major changes in the offseason, the Patriots have low expectations coming into this developmental season.

One of the biggest storylines of the training camp and preseason for New England was whether Drake Maye would start in Week 1. This was resolved a few weeks ago when head coach Jerod Mayo announced that veteran Jacoby Brissett would be the QB1 to start the year. It is the worst-kept secret in Foxborough that Maye will eventually take over as the starting quarterback at some point in the season.

A factor that played a part in the decision to not start Maye was the Patriots' offensive line. Starting left tackle Trent Brown left in free agency, former first-round pick Cole Strange is on the reserve/PUP list, and now another veteran starter will likely be unavailable in Week 1. According to the latest reports, Sidy Sow, who was expected to start at left guard, missed another practice on Friday, presumably sealing his fate for Sunday.

NFL News: Patriots OL Sidy Sow Likely Out For Week 1

Fortunately for the Patriots, Sow was the only player to miss practice on the active roster. However, the 26-year-old offensive lineman's absence complicates things for Mayo.

New England will likely turn to Nick Leverett to start at left guard. Leverett joined the team in the offseason after spending the past three seasons at Tampa Bay but didn't take an offensive snap in 2023. Michael Jordan could also be elevated from the practice squad as another option.

On FanDuel Sportsbook, the Patriots are +295 to pull off a victory in Cincinnati. With the status of the offensive line, it will take a miraculous performance from the rest of the team to overcome those odds.

More Patriots news and rumors:

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.