Patriots-Texans dwell updates: Who will stand out in preseason opener?

Patriots

The Patriots will open preseason play towards the Texans on Thursday evening at Gillette Stadium.

New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (50) comes onto the field during an NFL football practice, Friday, July 28, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass.
Christian Gonzalez ought to see loads of reps on Thursday evening towards the Texans. (AP Photograph/Michael Dwyer)

By Conor Ryan

FOXBOROUGH — After two weeks of training-camp practices and aggressive drills towards teammates, the 2023 Patriots are lastly set to battle towards an opposing workforce on Thursday evening.

New England will maintain its preseason opener at Gillette Stadium towards the Houston Texans, with kick-off slated for 7 p.m.

It’s anticipated that a number of New England starters on either side of the ball is not going to play towards Houston, together with Mac Jones.

However there are nonetheless a number of gamers additional down the depth chart trying to state their case for a spot on the 53-man roster, and a slew of rookie and second-year gamers trying to present out in an anticipated sport setting.

Here’s a take a look at seven questions dealing with the Patriots forward of Thursday’s sport, together with the state of the offensive line and New England’s promising pair of rookie receivers in Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte. 

Comply with alongside right here for dwell updates from Thursday’s preseason opener in Foxborough.

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LIVE UPDATES

5:13: Patriots are out right here stretching on the sphere with a reasonably full squad. Once more, don’t count on various starters to truly play tonight.

5:02: Rookie numbers are in. Should say, I’m bummed that Christian Gonzalez didn’t go together with No. 0.

4:50: Appears like Marte Mapu may very well be cleared tonight. He’s been sporting a purple, non-contact jersey all through camp.

4:45: Shall be fascinating to see if Malik Cunningham will get some reps at QB tonight. He’s been transformed right into a WR, however the former Louisville sign caller has seen loads of snaps underneath middle over the previous couple of practices.

Right here’s 5 issues to learn about Cunningham.

4:24: These end-zone renovations are … notable.

4:10 p.m.: Greetings right here from Gillette Stadium. A muggy night right here in Foxborough, nevertheless it appears to be like like we’re going to overlook among the heavier rain within the subsequent few hours.