Alarming Thursday Patriots Injury Report: How New England Could Handle Being Without Three Huge Starters

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Alarming Thursday Patriots Injury Report: How New England Could Handle Being Without Three Huge Starters

Hector Longo · Athlon Sports

Thu, Oct 1, 2026 ·

2 min read

Gonzalez a needed tool to have

Gonzalez is a major concern with the threat of Josh Allen igniting things with his newest toy, big-play receiver D.J. Moore.

Veteran Charles Woods would be the proverbial "next man up," if the Pro Bowler can't go. Woods filled in well enough for Carlton Davis in Week 2 against Pittsburgh, but not having Gonzalez would likely turn the Patriots secondary into a safe, passive zone mode.

That could make the Patriots vulnerable against James Cook and the Buffalo run and short-pass game.

New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0) speaks to the media after practice at training campEric Canha-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

Interior defense will be tested

Barmore struggled inside on Sunday at Jacksonville. He remains a major presence against the run, though.

Without him, Cory Durden, DaQuan Jones and Joshua Farmer would be tested in more extensive roles. None of those three could be considered in Barmore's company when it comes to playing the run.

Again, his absence sets up for Cook, one of the game's most dynamic rushers.

Does the rookie get the nod?

Moses, at age 35, left the Jacksonville game early, forcing rookie first-round pick Caleb Lomu into action at right tackle.

Lomu struggled as you might expect, entering the game with the wind already sucked out of the Patriots offense.

With Ed Oliver and a more aggressive Bills' defensive front looming – with a hostile crowd in Buffalo – starting Lomu for the first time on Sunday would be a giant ask.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Oct 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.