Patriots vs Chargers inactives: Dont’a Hightower returns, Jonnu Smith active

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It was another spooky injury report for the New England Patriots throughout the week, as 14 players on the active roster were labeled with the questionable tag. It appears New England will get a bit of a treat however, as only one of the 14 players will be out for Sunday.

As the Patriots will now spend their Halloween on the West Coast against the Los Angeles Chargers, here’s who will be in, and out for both teams.

Patriots inactives

TE Devin Asiasi

G Yasir Durant

RB J.J. Taylor

OLB Brandon King

DE Ronnie Perkins

CB Shaun Wade

After being a healthy inactive last week against New York, rookie running back Rhamondre Stevenson returns to action this week against the Chargers. The Chargers’ run defense currently ranks near the bottom of the league, meaning the rookie could be in a for a sizable workload along with Damien Harris. Stevenson’s active tag means J.J. Taylor — who scored two touchdowns last week — will relegate back to inactive list.

The Patriots will be without key special teams player Brandon King on Sunday, as the veteran was declared out on Friday with a thigh injury. King, who currently is second on New England in terms of special teams snaps, will miss his first game of the 2021 season.

Dont’a Hightower (ankle/elbow) will return for New England after a one game absence. Jonnu Smith, who left last week’s game against the Jets with a shoulder injury, will also suit up despite his questionable tag.

Chargers inactives

QB Easton Stick

RB Joshua Kelley

FS Mark Webb

FB Gabe Nabers

T Trey Pipkins

The Chargers only had one significant player on their injury report this week, which was running back Austin Ekeler. Ekeler missed two practices due to a hip injury, but will be active.