The New England Patriots will have to defend elite San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle without safety Kyle Dugger on Sunday.
The rookie defensive back is inactive for the Week 7 matchup at Gillette Stadium. Dugger was expected to be part of the Patriots' game plan to slow down Kittle, who's arguably the best tight end in the league and the top receiving threat in the 49ers offense. Dugger was listed as questionable on Friday's injury report due to an ankle issue.
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Another rookie will be making his pro debut Sunday. Tight end Dalton Keene is active for the first time in 2020. The Patriots have a league-low six receptions from tight ends this season, so the hope for New England is that Keene can give them a boost in the passing game. Rookie tight end Devin Asiasi is inactive for the Pats.
One encouraging sign for the Patriots is the health of the offensive line. New England will have its optimal o-line setup against San Francisco. Starting center David Andrews returns after missing the previous three games with a hand injury. Starting right guard Shaq Mason is back after not playing in Week 6.
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Here are the official lists of inactive players for both the Patriots and 49ers.
New England Patriots
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PATRIOTS
QB Brian Hoyer
RB J.J. Taylor
TE Devin Asiasi
DT Carl Davis
DB Myles Bryant
FS Kyle Dugger
49ERS
QB C.J. Beathard
WR Dante Pettis
OLB Kwon Alexander
CB Parnell Motley
FS Jimmie Ward
SS Jaquiski Tartt