Defense in need of some help
Seven starters questionable
FOXBORO — Wanted: help on defense.
PATRIOTS NOTEBOOK
Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower (elbow/ankle) missed practice again Friday and was one of 14 players listed as questionable on the team’s final injury report. Seven are defensive starters, including Hightower and defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, who did not practice once this week with a hurt finger. Cornerbacks Jonathan Jones and Shaun Wade were the only players ruled out.
Jones suffered a ribs injury in last week’s loss to Dallas, while Wade will miss his third straight game due to a concussion. The Pats seemed to expect their absences earlier this week, when they promoted Myles Bryant from the practice squad to the active roster. Bryant can play in the slot and at safety, like Jones, and should be tested early against Jets wide receiver Jamison Crowder, who missed the teams’ last meeting in Week 2.
“Myles is always ready to go. He’s a versatile player for us in the secondary,” Pats coach Bill Belichick said this week. “I’m sure he’ll be able to do a number of different things that we need by situation or maybe by game.”
The Patriots might also be without defensive lineman Deatrich Wise (knee), linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley (ribs) and right guard Shaq Mason (abdomen).
In New York, Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley is doubtful after sitting out all three practices this week. His absence would leave a major hole in the front seven.
“Mosley’s got a really good skill set. He’s impressive, he’s very instinctive, reads plays well. He’s always around the ball,” Belichick said this week. “Runs well.
Good tackler. Physical player. There are not many weaknesses in Mosley’s game. He does everything well . ... You better get him blocked or you’re not going to make a lot of yards.”
Otherwise, the Jets look much healthier than the Patriots heading into kickoff. Coming off their bye week, only tight end Tyler Kroft was ruled out due to injury. Running back Tevin Coleman is officially questionable with a new hamstring injury.
Belichick: Harris has earned everything
Last week, Pats running back Damien Harris fought through hurt ribs to rush for more than 100 yards against Dallas, the fifth time he’s reached that mark in his career.
His performance encapsulated what’s been a difficult start to the season for Harris as the team’s new lead back. He’s fought through injury and fumbling issues to continue seeing carries. Without him, the Pats would be down to fourth-round rookie Rhamondre Stevenson and special teamer Brandon Bolden in their backfield, since second-year rusher J.J. Taylor has also been hurt and fumble-prone.
Belichick took a minute to acknowledge Harris’ determination and commitment Friday morning.
“He has a ton of respect from every player and coach in this organization, as he should because he’s earned that. That’s not something you get from talking or some kind of false image. You get it from day after day, consistent performance and dedication, and he’s the poster boy for that,” Belichick said. “He works extremely hard and takes his job very seriously and always tries to perform at the absolute highest level and do what’s best for the team. He’s earned everybody’s respect for that.”
Despite their 2-4 record, Harris said the Patriots can still turn their season around.
How? More or less, by following the same formula he executed last Sunday to enjoy a bounce-back performance.
“It’s a long season,” Harris told reporters Friday. “still have a lot of football left to play. If we keep showing up, keep doing the right things, continue to put our heads down and work, we can turn this season around in a heartbeat.”
Pats work out another CB
The Patriots worked out free-agent cornerback D.J. Hayden on Friday.
Hayden, a 2013 first-round pick of the Raiders, hasn’t played a down this season, though he saw action in five games last year with the Jaguars. The 31-year-old made 18 tackles and broke up one pass. He last served as a regular starter in 2019 with Jacksonville.
Over his eight-year career, Hayden has recorded 328 tackles, four interceptions and four forced fumbles. The Pats also worked out veteran corners Brian Poole and De’Vante Bausby earlier this week.