The New England Patriots have included linebacker Josh Uche and quarterback Jarrett Stidham among their inactives for Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. They are both healthy scratches for the game. They’ll join linebacker Cassh Maluia (knee), tackle Korey Cunningham (healthy scratch) and tight end Dalton Keene (neck) as the team’s inactives for the season opener.
New England ruled out Gunner Olszewski on Friday. Despite appearing on the injury report, receiver N’Keal Harry (shoulder) and Chase Winovich (shoulder) will dress for Sunday’s game.
Stidham’s status is a clear indicator that he’s fallen to the No. 3 spot in the quarterback room behind Cam Newton, the starter, and Brian Hoyer, the backup. Stidham spent last season as the team’s lone backup to Brady.
Uche, a 2020 second round pick, is the most surprising inactive, as he had a prominent role on the defense during training camp. Perhaps New England wasn’t content with his readiness, however.
#Patriots inactives. pic.twitter.com/KmovwrvKNK
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 13, 2020
With a sparse number of players at linebacker, New England seems intent with using their defensive backs heavily in Week 1, with safeties Adrian Phillips, Kyle Dugger and perhaps even Joejuan Williams spending a lot of time at in the box.
New England kicks off against the Dolphins at 1 p.m.
