FOXBORO -- The quest for 23-0 will begin without some big-name Patriots.
Dont’a Hightower, Matthew Slater, Nate Solder, Mike Gillislee, Eric Rowe, Alan Branch, Matt Lengel, Antonio Garcia and Shea McLellin were not in uniform for warmups prior to Thursday’s preseason opener against the Jaguars.
Beyond that, it's a good bet that other stars such as Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman and Brandin Cooks will be held out of action, though all three were in uniform for warmups. All three of New England's quarterbacks also participated.
Branch and Hightower are on the physically unable to perform list, while Solder and Gillislee have been hampered by injuries of late. McLellin, Slater and Rowe all missed Wednesday’s walkthrough, which Garcia left early.
The Patriots will still probably go 23-0.