As the Patriots get set to begin their sixth Super Bowl championship defense on Sunday night, a few important pieces on both sides of the ball won't be suiting up.
On their list of inactive players, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas and linebacker Kyle Van Noy headline the group. Thomas is still recovering from a hamstring issue while Kyle Van Noy is out because his wife is in labor, per Jeff Howe.
Tight end Matt LaCosse was not expected to play Sunday night because of an ankle injury, but it appears he'll be active for the first time since the preseason opener. Rookies Damien Harris and Joejuan Williams will have to wait to make their NFL debuts.
INACTIVE:
WR Demaryius Thomas
LB Kyle Van Noy
CB Joejuan Williams
RB Damien Harris
OT Korey Cunningham
S Obi Melinfonwu
DT Byron Cowart
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. EST at Gillette Stadium, as the Patriots raise another banner and face off against the only other franchise in the NFL with six Super Bowl championships.
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