Patriots vs. Cowboys game day roster: Atonio Mafi's expected heavy workload

New England Patriots' offensive line faces challenges with injuries, relying on rookie Atonio Mafi against the Dallas Cowboys.

The New England Patriots are still working on improving their offensive line. Unfortunately, they will be without left guard Cole Strange for their game against the Dallas Cowboys due to a knee injury he sustained last week. This means that fifth-round rookie Atonio Mafi will once again play a crucial role in the team's offensive line. Mafi replaced Strange last week and has also seen significant playing time in the previous two games. As a rookie, Mafi's performance has had its ups and downs, but with Strange out and fellow rookie Sidy Sow recovering from a concussion, he is the team's top option.

Let's take a closer look at the Patriots' 48-man roster for Week 4. The wide receiver position is filled by JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne, DeVante Parker, Demario Douglas, and Matthew Slater. The interior offensive line consists of Atonio Mafi, David Andrews, Michael Onwenu, Sidy Sow, and Jake Andrews. The interior defensive line includes Davon Godchaux, Christian Barmore, Deatrich Wise Jr., Lawrence Guy Sr., Keion White, Sam Roberts, and Jeremiah Pharms Jr. The defensive edge is covered by Matthew Judon, Josh Uche, and Anfernee Jennings. The linebacker position is filled by Ja'Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavai, Marte Mapu, Mack Wilson Sr., and Chris Board. The cornerback position consists of Christian Gonzalez, Myles Bryant, Shaun Wade, and Ameer Speed. The safety position is covered by Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips, Jabrill Peppers, Jalen Mills, and Brenden Schooler. The specialists are K Chad Ryland, P/H Bryce Baringer, and LS Joe Cardona.

Aside from Cole Strange's absence and Sidy Sow's return, the Patriots' game day roster remains largely unchanged from last week. The only other difference is the elevation of Jeremiah Pharms Jr. from the practice squad to help replace injured defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale, who was placed on injured reserve. This brings the Patriots' game day team to 48 players, while the active roster stands at 52. It seems that the team expects one of the players on injured reserve or the physically unable to perform list to return soon.

The average age of the Patriots' game day roster is 26.7 years.

The game day inactives for Week 4 include WR Kayshon Boutte, QB Will Grier, CB Jonathan Jones, G Cole Strange, and OT Tyrone Wheatley Jr.

The practice squad consists of DB Joshuah Bledsoe, CB Breon Borders, WR/QB Malik Cunningham, OL James Ferentz, LB Joe Giles-Harris, RB Kevin Harris, CB Azizi Hearn, DT Manny Jones, WR T.J. Luther, LB Calvin Munson, WR Jalen Reagor, OL Kody Russey, TE Matt Sokol, OT Andrew Stueber, and P Corliss Waitman.

Four players are set to return from injured reserve: DT Daniel Ekuale, CB Jack Jones, CB Marcus Jones, OL Riley Reiff, and WR Tyquan Thornton.

Two players are on the reserve/physically unable to perform list: S Cody Davis and DE Trey Flowers.

The Patriots' reserve lists have seen some changes compared to Week 3. Cole Strange is out, and Daniel Ekuale is now on injured reserve. Additionally, the team made a practice squad move by releasing rookie cornerback William Hooper and signing free agent defensive lineman Manny Jones.

The Patriots' Week 4 game against the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET.