Patriots Rule Out CB Jason McCourty and DL Byron Cowart Sunday vs Texans
By Ian Anderson
The New England Patriots defense takes a blow heading into their Week 13 matchup with the Houston Texans.
It was revealed this morning that both star cornerback Jason McCourty and defensive lineman Byron Cowart would miss the primetime game due to injuries.
Starting CB Jason McCourty (groin) and backup DT Byron Cowart (head) have been downgraded to out for Sunday’s game. This likely means J.C. Jackson starts at CB for the second straight week.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) November 30, 2019
None of the 9 questionable players due to illness have been downgraded at this time.
This will be the second straight week that McCourty has missed with this groin issue, and there could not have been a worse time for the corner to miss, as Deshaun Watson, DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller, and the high-flying Houston Texans passing attack is on tap.
Positive news for Patriots on injury front: Mohamed Sanu (ankle) and Phillip Dorsett (concussion) are making the trip to Houston after missing last Sunday’s win. This means there is a chance for a fully active WR depth chart Sunday night.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) November 30, 2019
Fortunately for Patriots fans, the injury report unveiled some positive news. Wide receivers Mohamed Sanu and Phillip Dorsett will travel NRG Stadium after missing last week's victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
Since coming over in a trade from Atlanta, Sanu has found himself as one of the top targets in the Patriots system, and his presence was missed against Dallas. Opposite him, the vertical threat of Dorsett could help spring some chunk plays for the defending champs in what could be a back-and-forth AFC slugfest.