Patriots
Rookie quarterback Mac Jones makes his first NFL start as the Patriots take on the Miami Dolphins in Week 1 of the 2021 season.
New England Patriots football is officially back as the team kicks off its 2021 season Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.
As if that wasn’t enough, first-round rookie quarterback Mac Jones will make his first NFL start against former Alabama teammate Tua Tagovailoa and old Patriots defensive coach Brian Flores.
Boston.com’s live blog will keep you posted on the action all game long.
Here are the latest updates from Gillette Stadium:
3:12 p.m.: Here is the list of inactive players for the day: OLB Ronnie Perkins, K Quinn Nordin, CB Shaun Wade, OT Yodny Cajuste (hamstring), TE Devin Asiasi, RB J.J. Taylor.
The two biggest surprises among them, if you can call them that, are Nordin, Asiasi and Taylor.
Despite not making the initial 53-man roster, it appears the Patriots intend to use Nick Folk as the starting kicker after elevating him from the practice squad. Assuming New England elevates Folk again next week, it could mean Nordin might be headed for the practice squad himself.
Meanwhile, Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith must be healthy, because the Patriots will be relying on them as the only two true tight ends on the roster for this game (though Jakob Johnson can play there in a pinch).
Taylor’s inactivity this Sunday means rookie Rhamondre Stevenson is set to play a large role as the primary backup to Damien Harris and will also likely get chances to return kickoffs as well.
3:09 p.m.: Mac Jones will have one of his top weapons on offense after all.
Nelson Agholor warmed up with other active players a few hours before kickoff and is on track to play after being limited in practice this week. Cornerback Jalen Mills also looks to be available and will likely start opposite J.C. Jackson.
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