Patriots vs. Raiders game day roster: New look for wide receiver group

The New England Patriots are making changes to their roster for Week 6, including adding new wide receivers and offensive linemen. The team will also be without some key players due to injuries.

The New England Patriots are facing some challenges with injuries to key players. JuJu Smith-Schuster and Demario Douglas both suffered concussions in the team's Week 5 loss to the New Orleans Saints. As a result, the team is turning to some new faces to fill the gaps. Sophomore Tyquan Thornton has joined the 53-man roster from injured reserve, and Jalen Reagor has been elevated from the practice squad.

In addition to these changes, the team also has Malik Cunningham, a receiver/quarterback-hybrid, available as a wildcard option. While officially listed as Mac Jones' backup, Cunningham could see action in various ways.

The Patriots' receiver group as a whole has undergone some turnover, and it remains to be seen how this will affect their performance on the field.

Now, let's take a closer look at the Patriots' 48-man roster for Week 6.

Wide receiver: DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, Tyquan Thornton, Jalen Reagor (PS), Matthew Slater

Interior offensive line: Atonio Mafi, David Andrews, Michael Onwenu, Sidy Sow, Jake Andrews

Interior defensive line: Davon Godchaux, Christian Barmore, Deatrich Wise Jr., Lawrence Guy Sr., Sam Roberts, Jeremiah Pharms Jr. (PS)

Defensive edge: Josh Uche, Anfernee Jennings, Keion White

Linebacker: Ja'Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavai, Marte Mapu, Mack Wilson Sr., Chris Board

Cornerback: Jonathan Jones, J.C. Jackson, Myles Bryant, Shaun Wade, Ameer Speed

Safety: Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Adrian Phillips, Jalen Mills, Brenden Schooler

Specialists: K Chad Ryland, P/H Bryce Baringer, LS Joe Cardona

Aside from the changes at wide receiver, the Patriots will also be missing some talent on the offensive line. Starting left guard Cole Strange will be out for a third straight game due to a knee injury. Riley Reiff, who could have filled in for Strange or played at right tackle, did not make the trip due to his own knee issue. As a result, Atonio Mafi and Vederian Lowe will start at left guard and right tackle, respectively.

With Demario Douglas out, the Patriots will also need to make adjustments to their punt return group. Jabrill Peppers and Myles Bryant are expected to step up, with Malik Cunningham possibly playing a role as well.

The average age of the Patriots' game day roster is 26.9 years.

Here are the Patriots' reserves:

Game day inactives: WR Kayshon Boutte, WR Demario Douglas, QB Will Grier, OT Riley Reiff, G Cole Strange, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, QB Bailey Zappe

Practice squad: DB Joshuah Bledsoe, CB Breon Borders, OL James Ferentz, LB Joe Giles-Harris, RB Kevin Harris, CB Azizi Hearn, DE Trysten Hill, DT Manny Jones, WR T.J. Luther, LB Calvin Munson, OL Kody Russey, TE Matt Sokol, OT Andrew Stueber

Injured reserve return: DT Daniel Ekuale, CB Christian Gonzalez, CB Jack Jones, CB Marcus Jones, ED Matthew Judon, OT Tyrone Wheatley Jr.

Reserve/PUP: S Cody Davis, ED Trey Flowers

One surprising name on the Patriots' reserve lists is Bailey Zappe. Despite serving as Mac Jones' backup for the first five games of the season, he has now been relegated to the emergency role behind Jones and Malik Cunningham. This means he will only be allowed to enter the game if both of the quarterbacks ahead of him on the depth chart are unavailable.

There have been a few changes to the other lists as well. Matthew Judon and Tyrone Wheatley Jr. have been added to injured reserve due to elbow and knee injuries, respectively. Tyquan Thornton has been activated from IR to the 53-man team.

Cody Davis and Trey Flowers, special teamer and edge player, respectively, remain on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list despite returning to practice.

The Patriots will face the Raiders in Week 6, with the game kicking off at 4:05 p.m. ET at Allegiant Stadium.

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