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Pregame scenes and observations – 12:38 p.m.
– Patriots quarterbacks Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe ran on to the field together for warmups. They were then joined by Malik Cunningham.
One thing that seems all but certain: Zappe is preparing like he’s the No. 1 QB right now. Taking reps ahead of Jones and Cunningham.
Patriots OL in warmups: LT Trent Brown, LG Cole Strange, C David Andrews, RG Sidy Sow, RT Mike Onwenu.
Jabrill Peppers, Ty Montgomery, and Jalen Reagor lined up as returners in warmups for the Patriots. Brenden Schooler getting returner reps as well, as is Myles Bryant.
Inactives: Deatrich Wise a late scratch – 11:41 a.m.
Patriots: WR Kayshon Boutte; WR Demario Douglas; CB Alex Austin; RB Jamycal Hasty; OL Verderian Lowe; DE Deatrich Wise Jr.
Chargers: RB Isaiah Spiller; DB Ja’Sir Taylor; OL Zack Bailey; TE Nick Vannett; WR Simi Fehoko; DL Scott Matlock.
Chris Price’s analysis: All three quarterbacks on the Patriots roster – Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe, and Malik Cunningham – are active on Sunday.
Rookie receivers Demario Douglas (concussion) and Kayshon Boutte (shoulder/illness) were ruled out on Friday. Between Douglas not being available and his track record with Bailey Zappe, it will likely mean more targets for veteran DeVante Parker. I’d also expect Tyquan Thornton to get some more chances in the passing game as well.
Deatrich Wise Jr., who had “illness” added to his injury report Sunday morning, was one of several members of the roster who were felled by a bug that impacted a few others. Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings will have more on their plate this afternoon with Wise down for the day.
Cornerback Alex Austin, who has taken healthy scratches since he arrived early last month, will sit again this afternoon. Running back Jamycal Hasty, another recent acquisition, is also a healthy scratch. And offensive tackle Vederian Lowe completes the group of healthy scratches.
Among the notable actives is left tackle Trent Brown. The veteran has been in and out of the lineup with multiple issues over the last month-plus, including knee, ankle, and chest issue (he was on the injury report this week with ankle and chest injuries).
Tale of the tape — 11:20 a.m.
If styles make fights, then at least Patriots-Chargers has that going for it.
The Chargers have one of the better offenses in the league, ranked 11th in the NFL with a 347.5-yard per-game average and eighth in scoring at …
