There are reasons to be optimistic about the New England Patriots entering their season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase may not suit up for Cincinnati. The Patriots’ defense has top-15 potential. And the Bengals are susceptible against the run.
But if you’re wondering why the Bengals are 7.5-point favorites, look no further than the trenches.
The Patriots’ offensive line was plagued by injuries and inconsistency throughout training camp and the preseason, and that could carry over into Week 1, as Vederian Lowe suggested to the Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi he probably won’t play Sunday due to an oblique injury he suffered about two weeks ago.
Vederian Lowe tells me his pulled muscle is improving and that he might do a little something at practice today. Didn't seem too optimistic that Sunday would be in play. Disappointed after having a solid camp.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) September 4, 2024
Lowe was working as New England’s starting left tackle prior to his injury, which forced free-agent pickup Chukwuma Okorafor to move from right to left tackle and shifted Mike Onwenu from right guard to right tackle.
Meanwhile, Sidy Sow, who started at left guard in the Patriots’ preseason finale against the Washington …