Patriots vs. 49ers inactives: Defense suffers blow with Anfernee Jennings out

Going against one of the most talented offenses in the NFL, the New England Patriots defense will be down another key player: Anfernee Jennings has been ruled out of the Patriots' Week 4 contest against the San Francisco 49ers due to a shoulder injury. The fifth-year man was listed as questionable heading into the contest.

A starter along the defensive edge, Jennings has been on the field for 58.8 percent of New England's defensive snaps over the first three games of the season. While primarily a run defender, the former third-round draft pick has developed into a serviceable presence against the pass as well.

With him out, the Patriots might rely on defensive linemen such as Keion White or Deatrich Wise Jr., or off-ball linebackers Jahlani Tavai and Raekwon McMillan to provide depth outside. Either way, losing Jennings is the latest blow to a New England defense already without Ja'Whaun Bentley and Christian Barmore.

The rest of the Patriots' inactives look as follows:

Patriots inactives TE Jaheim Bell ED Anfernee Jennings G Michael Jordan DE Jamree Kromah OT Vederian Lowe QB Joe Milton III (emergency QB) The Patriots had originally ruled out three player for their game in San Francisco, but one of them — cornerback Alex Austin (ankle) — has since been sent to injured reserve. The other two, namely offensive tackle Vederian Lowe and guard Michael Jordan, are joined on the inactives list by four other players.

Besides the aforementioned Jennings, the Patriots also made tight end Jaheim Bell, defensive lineman Jamree Kromah and third-string quarterback Joe Milton inactive. All of them are healthy scratches.

Meanwhile, the team received some good news along the offensive line. Presumptive starting left tackle Caedan Wallace (knee) was cleared for action as was left guard Sidy Sow (ankle). Sow, who got banged up in the preseason finale, will make his regular season debut.

The other player listed as questionable — cornerback Jonathan Jones (shoulder) — was also green-lit to play in the game.

G Ben Bartch WR Ronnnie Bell QB Joshua Dobbs (emergency QB) S Talanoa Hufanga CB Darrell Luter The two biggest names when it comes to the 49ers' inactives list are not mentioned here: both wide receiver Deebo Samuel (calf) and offensive tackle Trent Williams (illness, toe) have been cleared to play. The two were listed as questionable heading into the contest but are expected to fill their usual roles in San Francisco's starting lineup.