10:28 a.m.: In hilarious news, Rams head coach Jeff Fisher reportedly signed a two-year contract extension this season despite leading a mediocre team year after year and an inability to name Patriots offensive playmakers.
We’re posted up at Gillette Stadium. Kick off is in just over 2 1/2 hours.
8 a.m. ET: The New England Patriots’ season starts anew without tight end Rob Gronkowski at 1 p.m. ET.
Gronkowski was placed on season-ending injured reserve Saturday afternoon, which means the big tight end cannot return for the regular season or playoffs. The Patriots must make do with Martellus Bennett and Matt Lengel at the position against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13 and beyond.
The Patriots are favored over the Rams by 13.5 point despite the loss of Gronkowski. That sounds about right, since the Rams and 4-7 and fortunate to even have that many wins.
Rams starting wide receiver Tavon Austin (doubtful with a chest ailment) and pass rusher Robert Quinn (questionable with a concussion) both are on the injury report. Neither player practiced this week and reportedly are not expected to play, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Patriots ruled out safety Jordan Richards. Our guess for the final six inactives: running back D.J. Foster, wide receiver/special teamer Matthew Slater (foot), offensive tackle LaAdrian Waddle, defensive tackles Woodrow Hamilton (illness) and Darius Kilgo and safety Nate Ebner (concussion). Defensive end Trey Flowers also could be on the list. He’s dealing with a shin injury. Linebacker Elandon Roberts (jaw) also was added to the injury report Friday.
The Patriots will hold a ceremony at halftime for their Super Bowl XXXVI-winning team, which fittingly beat the then St. Louis Rams. Here’s how the Patriots, not the Rams, became the dynasty of the 2000s.
It will be fun to see how the Patriots’ running backs fare this afternoon, since Rams head coach Jeff Fisher couldn’t seem to recall Dion Lewis or James White’s names Wednesday.
Stay here for updates and analysis before and throughout Sunday’s game, which airs on FOX.