The New England Patriots will face the Cincinnati Bengals in their Week 1 opener with both teams dealing with significant injuries and player uncertainties. Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is doubtful due to a hamstring injury, while Ja'Marr Chase is questionable amid a contract dispute and illness. The Bengals elevated Kendric Pryor from the practice squad to compensate for these absences. The Patriots have ruled out starting offensive lineman Sidy Sow and added safety Jabrill Peppers to the injury report as questionable. Both teams' readiness and conditioning were emphasized by Patriots' head coach Jerod Mayo ahead of his debut.