Patriots
The Patriots hope to close out the 2024 season strong with a pair of home games over the next two weeks.
After spending the last two weeks on the road, the Patriots are back home for the final two weeks of the 2024 season.
The Patriots host the Chargers for a rare Saturday game, with kick-off set for 1 p.m. As the Chargers are sitting in a playoff spot, Saturday marks the first of two games over the final two weeks where the Patriots will host a pair of teams likely bound for the playoffs. The Bills will make their way to Foxborough for the regular-season finale next week.
While New England isn’t playing for a playoff berth, it’s made it clear that it wants to end the 2024 season on a high note. Jerod Mayo’s job as head coach is reportedly safe, but the team is looking to see if it has the right pieces around Drake Maye.
Follow along with us for the latest updates throughout Saturday’s game.
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1:25 p.m.: Chargers score as Drake Maye heads to locker room
Los Angeles was able to move the ball down the field after a quiet opening possession. It went on an 11-play, 91-yard touchdown drive that ended, converting on a fourth-and-3 opportunity from New England’s 42-yard line. On the next play, Justin Herbert connected with Derius Davis for a 23-yard touchdown pass to give the Chargers a 7-0 lead.
1:13 p.m.: Chargers, Patriots punt on opening possessions, but Drake Maye enters blue medical tent
The first possession for each team was mostly uneventful. The Chargers punted the ball after six plays and the Patriots went three-and-out. But on New England’s final play of its opening drive, Maye took a hard hit on a scramble from Los Angeles safety Cam Hart. Maye remained on the turf for a moment before jogging off the field, but he went to the blue medical tent right after.
1 p.m.: Patriots kick-off to start the game
After taking the opening kick-off last week, the Patriots opted to defer until the second half when they won the coin toss.
12:45 p.m.: Rhamodre Stevenson not starting
After losing another fumble in the Patriots’ loss to the Bills last week, Stevenson won’t start at running back for the Patriots in Saturday’s game, according to NFL Media. Antonio Gibson will get the nod instead.
12:10 p.m.: Which wide receivers will get playing time today?
Shortly before the inactives were announced, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, and Alex Erickson. Eventually, Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker joined the group a bit later than usual. Polk and Baker played just three and eight snaps, respectively, in last week’s loss to the Bills. That could be a sign that they’re in for another low volume day.
11:30 a.m.: Inactives for Saturday’s game
The Patriots ruled safety Jabrill Peppers, quarterback Joe Milton, running back Terrell Jennings, guard Sidy Sow, guard Tyrese Robinson, and center Ben Brown as their inactive for Saturday’s game.
The Chargers, meanwhile, will welcome back their leading rusher, J.K. Dobbins. He isn’t a scratch for Saturday’s game. Quarterback Easton Stick, running back Gus Edwards, linebacker Denzel Perryman, guard Jordan McFadden, offensive tackle Trey Pipkins, tight end Hayden Hurst, and defensive end Justin Eboigbe were ruled out.
Pregame reading
To help get you ready for Saturday’s game, here’s the latest news surrounding the Patriots and previews for the matchup:
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