The New England Patriots defense will face another tough test Saturday when they welcome the Los Angeles Chargers to Gillette Stadium.
On Friday, L.A. announced the activation of starting running back J.K. Dobbins from injured reserve. Dobbins hasn't played since Nov. 25 due to a knee sprain, but he reportedly is expected to return for the Week 17 matchup vs. New England.
Dobbins has 766 yards and eight touchdowns on 158 carries (4.8 yards per attempt) through 11 games this season, his first with the Chargers. The 26-year-old needs 40 rushing yards and two TDs to set career highs in each category. He presents a problem for a struggling Patriots run defense that has allowed 130.4 rushing yards per game in 2024.
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The Patriots also made notable roster moves ahead of Saturday's game. They announced that cornerback Marcus Jones (hip) was placed on injured reserve while offensive tackle Caedan Wallace was activated from IR. Wide receiver Alex Erickson and linebacker Monty Rice were elevated from the practice squad to the active roster.
New England will be without center Ben Brown (concussion), setting up 2022 first-round draft pick Cole Strange to be the team's starting center vs. L.A.
With Friday's updates, here is the full injury report for Patriots vs. Chargers, which kicks off at 1 p.m. ET Saturday in Foxboro:
New England Patriots (3-12)
Out
- C Ben Brown
Doubtful
- No Players Listed.
Questionable
- S Kyle Dugger, Ankle / Quad
- LB Curtis Jacobs, Concussion
- LB Titus Leo, Ankle
- LB Anfernee Jennings, Knee
- S Jabrill Peppers, Hamstring
- OL Cole Strange, Knee
- LB Sione Takitaki, Knee
- LB Jahlani Tavai, Groin
- OT Caedan Wallace, Ankle
Los Angeles Chargers (9-6)
Out
- RB Gus Edwards, Ankle
- LB Denzel Perryman, Groin
- G/T Trey Pipkins III, Hip
Doubtful
- No Players Listed
Questionable
- TE Will Dissly, Shoulder
- TE Hayden Hurst, Illness
- DB Elijah Molden, Knee
