Patriots vs. Jaguars: Key Injuries, Inactives, and Storylines for Week 3

• by Shimanta Das
• September 28, 2026

The New England Patriots head into Week 3 with a 1-2 record and plenty of questions, but none more pressing than the performance of their former NFL MVP runner-up quarterback. As the team prepares to face the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium, the offense is under intense scrutiny to finally break out. However, the Patriots will be without two significant contributors: right guard Mike Onwenu and edge rusher Dre’Mont Jones, both ruled out with injuries. Their absence could further hinder a unit already searching for consistency.

Inactive lists released just before kickoff confirm the Patriots’ depleted roster: safety Craig Woodson, linebacker Dre’Mont Jones, offensive tackle Dametrious Crownover, defensive tackle Leonard Taylor III, and quarterback Behren Morton will not suit up. The Jaguars also have key inactives, including wide receiver CJ Williams, safety Jalen Huskey, defensive end Wesley Williams, offensive lineman Daniel Faalele, linebacker Jack Kiser, and defensive tackle Albert Regis. Despite these absences, Jacksonville’s offense has shown flashes, with rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten gaining 48 yards on the ground and quarterback Trevor Lawrence finding a rhythm, highlighted by a catch-and-run from tight end Brenton Strange along the left sideline.

Weather conditions in Jacksonville are expected to be ideal for football: AccuWeather predicts 82 degrees with mostly sunny skies at kickoff. While the Boston area deals with a nor’easter, the Patriots are hoping the Florida sunshine heats up their offense. Defensively, New England ranks top-5 in multiple key categories through two weeks, but they’ll need to contain a Jaguars attack that is starting to click. As Tom Giles and Andy Hart discussed on Arbella Early Edition, the Patriots’ ability to fix their quarterback’s struggles and overcome injuries will determine if they can climb above .500. With both teams missing pieces, this Week 3 matchup could hinge on which squad adapts faster.