CINCINNATI — Running back Rhamondre Stevenson and wide receiver Kayshon Boutte will return Sunday against the Bengals.
Stevenson missed three games with a toe injury, while Boutte was out two games with a hamstring injury.
It will be interesting to see how Stevenson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson split carries and snaps against the Bengals. Stevenson was the clear starter before his injury, but Henderson had two breakout games in his absence.
Boutte should reclaim his role as a starter. He was one of the league’s top deep threats before injuring his hamstring.
The Bengals have the NFL’s worst defense, so the Patriots could choose to ease in Stevenson and Boutte if necessary.
Rookie outside linebacker Bradyn Swinson is also set to make his NFL debut. Swinson was signed off the practice squad late last week.
Here’s the full list of Patriots inactives:
QB Tommy DeVito (emergency third QB)
OL Caedan Wallace
DT Joshua Farmer
LB Jahlani Tavai (personal)
WR Efton Chism
TE CJ Diprre
Notes:
• DeVito can only enter Thursday night’s game if Drake Maye or Joshua Dobbs suffer injuries. He would need to come out if either player gets cleared.
• Wallace has yet to make his season debut. Behind left tackle Will Campbell, left guard Jared Wilson, center Garrett Bradbury, right guard Mike Onwenu and right tackle Morgan Moses, the Patriots will have backup tackles Marcus Bryant and Vederian Lowe and guard/center Ben Brown.
• Rookie DT Joshua Farmer is a surprise inactive. He didn’t have an injury designation this week and was a full participant all week despite an ankle injury that kept him out last week. The Patriots will dress fellow rookie Eric Gregory, who started his career as an undrafted free agent with the Bengals, and Jeremiah Pharms, a practice squad elevation, over him with Milton Williams on injured reserve with an ankle injury.
• Tavai is out with personal issues. The Patriots will have Christian Elliss back after he missed two straight games with a hip injury. Elliss and Jack Gibbens could rotate snaps next to Robert Spillane at linebacker.
• It’s not a surprise to see Chism inactive with Boutte back, but the Patriots will need a new kick returner. It could be Henderson, Stevenson or Terrell Jennings. The Patriots will have Boutte, Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas and Kyle Williams available at wide receiver.
• Dippre was signed off the practice squad this week, but he won’t make his NFL debut. Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper, returning from a concussion, will be available at tight end.
• The Bengals will be without quarterback Joe Burrow (toe), wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (suspension), defensive end Trey Hendrickson (hip/pelvis) and cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (foot).