It hasn't been the smoothest start to the season for the Patriots. Not only did New England uncharacteristically lose back-to-back games, but the team's depth is already being tested across the roster.
The latest setback came on Wednesday when a pair of players – Rex Burkhead and Ja'Whaun Bentley – were placed on injured reserve. Both are eligible to return but must sit our eight weeks before doing so.
The Patriots did get some good news on Wednesday as Patrick Chung and Trey Flowers returned to practice after missing the Week 3 loss in Detroit due to concussions. The Boston Herald believes Flowers’ return in particular could be huge for the defense. MassLive.com says Flowers expects to play Sunday afternoon. The team also made some other additions by signing Kenjon Barner and John Simon.
Despite what his brother said on Sportsradio WEEI in Boston, Rob Gronkowski says he’s not getting frustrated with the double teams he’s seeing over the first month of the season. NBC Sports Boston says Sony Michel is going to get plenty of work whether he’s ready for it or not. Given the injury situation at the position, WEEI.com says it's worth second-guessing the team’s decisions at running back.
The Boston Sports Journal writes about the middle of the Patriots defense, which unlike in years past is struggling.
ESPN.com says the Patriots are keeping their thoughts on Josh Gordon to themselves.
The Patriots worked out free agent wide receiver Jeremy Kerley.
WEEI.com says the next three weeks will ultimately determine the Patriots fate this season.
The Athletic looks back 10 years to Miami's unveiling of the Wildcat during its upset win over the Patriots in Foxborough to snap New England's 21-game winning streak.
In Miami, Danny Amendola is using his inside Patriots knowledge to help his new team. Amendola has given the Dolphins a whole new attitude. The Miami Herald says the Dolphins have more trick plays in mind as they prepare to play the Patriots. Ryan Tannehill has now played 16 regular-season games under coach Adam Gase and the results are pretty impressive. The Patriots game represents a defining moment for the Dolphins.
