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Jacoby Brissett on another punishing day under center: “Just keep getting up. That’s all I can do.” — 8:10 p.m.

Jacoby Brissett spoke to the media after Sunday’s loss to the 49ers, in which the Patriots QB took six sacks in another rough day in the pocket.

Here’s what he had to say after the defeat in California.

On the offensive performance: “Uh, tough. We can’t spot them two turnovers like that, we can’t put our defense in a bad position like that. I think that’s where it really starts, and then it comes down to the fundamentals and the execution. We really beat ourselves. We get a drive going and then something happens. We’re not good enough to be able to play against ourselves and the defense.”

On the pick-6 to Fred Warner: “We had an in-cut (route) coming open behind the (line)backers … hats off to Fred (Warner), he made a great play, but I think I put a bad ball out there, just a better throw would’ve picked up the first down.”

On his mind-set after falling behind 20-0, facing pressure in the pocket: “I think that’s just part of the job. It’s hard to play against yourself and the defense at the same times, I think we put ourselves in a terrible situation with the turnovers and things like that. Not just the turnovers, but other plays in the drives that beat us. Then it’s just going out there and trying to execute one play at a time, at halftime it’s like, don’t look up at the scoreboard, just keep going.”

On how fixable the offensive issues are: “First it’s going to start with Monday and watching the film and being critical of ourselves. Me, as the quarterback and the leader of this team, starting with me being critical of the key plays — not the key plays, all the plays, honestly, and how can we get better, and those times that we do have things going, how can we keep that momentum? How can we pick ourselves up when we go down? Having those vulnerable conversations to where it’s like, ‘man, Jacoby, I need you better here.’ That’s what the enjoyment of this process is. The product is not where we want it right now, but we’re still in the process of figuring out how to make the best product.”

On taking a beating in these games, how he can make it through 17 games: “Just keep getting up. That’s all I can do. That’s all I’m going to keep doing.”

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Christopher Price | Between the Hashmarks

Ja’Whaun Bentley’s absence difficult for Patriots defense to overcome — 8:00 p.m.

Christopher Price

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — At the start of the season, the expectation was that the Patriots’ defense was going to set the tone. With the offense a work in progress, it would be a steady group on the other side of the ball that would lead the way and keep things relatively competitive.

Even after the Patriots lost defensive tackle Christian Barmore because of blood clots and traded outside linebacker Matthew Judon, the first week of the season showed a New England defense capable of weathering the storm and doing its part to carry the load when the offense broke down.

“We’ve got the guys to do it,” inside linebackers coach Dont’a Hightower said after Ja’Whaun Bentley went on injured reserve earlier this past week.

But on Sunday against the 49ers, every time New England thought it was keeping things manageable, the San Francisco offense would produce some sort of momentum swing that kept the Patriots at bay. New England tried to mix and match over the middle with Raekwon McMillan, Christian Elliss, and others. But Brock Purdy and the 49ers riddled the middle of the field with chunk plays on the way to a 30-13 win.

It’s debatable whether the loss of Bentley signaled the start of the defensive slide, but it’s hard to argue with the fact that the points allowed has steadily increased since he left the lineup.

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Ben Volin | Instant Analysis

Instant Analysis: Patriots are probably the worst team in the NFL — 7:45 p.m.

By Ben Volin

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Instant analysis from the Patriots’ 30-13 loss to the 49ers:

The Patriots dropped to 1-3 with Sunday’s blowout loss, and have now lost three straight games. If the first month of the season taught us anything about the Patriots, it’s that nothing really matters.

It doesn’t matter if they run extra hill sprints or take a “cold shower” mentality. It doesn’t matter if they try to go ground-and-pound or spread it out. It doesn’t matter if they go aggressive or conservative on fourth down.

The fact is that the Patriots stink, especially on offense. They are probably the worst team in the NFL, even if they don’t have the worst record.

Carolina at least found a spark when Andy Dalton came into the lineup. The Jaguars and Giants are at least competitive and showing a little progress on offense. The Titans have a few playmakers on offense.

Not the Patriots. There is no spark to be found.

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Here’s what Jerod Mayo said after Sunday’s loss to 49ers — 7:35 p.m.

The Patriots suffered another blowout loss on Sunday, this time a 30-13 defeat to the 49ers on the road.

Here’s what coach Jerod Mayo had to say after a third straight defeat for New England.

On the team’s difficult performance Sunday: “We had a lot of energy all week, I’m not going to say anything about the travel, I thought the guys were prepared and ready to go. Obviously we didn’t hit some of the targets that we talk about. Defensively, keeping the quarterback in the pocket continues to be an issue. Offensively, the turnovers; we don’t have a team that can lose the turnover battle and expect to win a football game. We’ve got to do a better job with the turnovers, we have to do a better job with the negative plays.”

On the injuries suffered by Kyle Dugger, David Andrews, and Caedan Wallace: “We sustained a few injuries to some warriors out there today … those guys will come in tomorrow and do their injury checks. I’m not sure how serious or not serious those injuries are, but those guys who couldn’t finish the game, obviously, are a big part of what we do.”

On the struggles of the offensive line, Jacoby Brissett taking hits: “Schematically, we’ve got to do a better job of getting the ball out of our hand right now, and then the offensive line just has to do a better job holding up in protection. We’re trying to find different ways to do it; in some of those sacks, you go back and watch the film, the ball should be out.”

On Jacoby Brissett continuing to start over Drake Maye: “At this point, Jacoby is our starting quarterback. I haven’t watched any film or anything like that. he’s a great leader, he just broke the huddle down after I talked to the guys, and we’ve got to watch the film. We have a long flight to go back and watch the film, and we’re always evaluating every position.”

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Final: 49ers 30, Patriots 13 — 7:15 p.m.

That’s it in Santa Clara, where the 49ers beat the Patriots, 30-13.

Jacoby Brissett was 19 of 32 for 168 yards, a touchdown, an interception, and three fumbles (one lost). He was also sacked six times.

Center David Andrews (shoulder), safety Kyle Dugger (ankle), and tackle Caedan Wallace (ankle) left the game with injuries, hurting New England’s already shallow depth.

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Nick Bosa makes another big play to force, recover fumble — 7:05 p.m.

That’ll do it for the Patriots, as Nick Bosa blows by Demontrey Jacobs off the left edge, strips Jacoby Brissett, and jumps on the fumble to give the ball back to the 49ers with a 17-point lead. The rest will be academic at Levi’s Stadium.

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49ers 30, Patriots 13 | 4:58, Q4

49ers settle for another field goal, extend lead— 7:00 p.m.

The Patriots defense continues to make the best of bad field position, holding San Francisco to a 41-yard field goal after the 49ers took over on the New England 37. It’s 30-13, San Francisco, with 4:58 to play.

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Nick Bosa comes alive, Patriots turn it over on downs — 6:52 p.m.

It’s been a rough day for Jacoby Brissett but he’s managed to avoid 49ers star rusher Nick Bosa — until now. Bosa blew up that Patriots drive, getting significant pressure on a second-down sack and hauling Brissett down on the following play as the QB just managed to get rid of it for an incompletion.

The Patriots went for it on fourth down and opted for a deep shot down the left sideline to Ja’Lynn Polk, who wrestled a potential interception away from Ji’Ayir Brown but couldn’t stay in bounds on what would’ve been an impressive effort.

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Jabrill Peppers climbs the ladder for a highlight-reel interception — 6:45 p.m.

The biggest play of the day for the Patriots comes on defense, as Jabrill Peppers leaps for a huge interception at the goal line to give New England the ball — and a little life — early in the fourth quarter.

Jacoby Brissett and the offense will take over at their own 25 with a 14-point deficit.

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49ers 27, Patriots 13 | 13:26, Q4

After another Joey Slye field goal, Patriots trail by 14 — 6:40 p.m.

Jacoby Brissett finally got some time in the pocket and delivered a strike to Ja’Lynn Polk over the middle on third down, but Polk couldn’t reel it in as the ball bounced off his hands and was nearly picked off. The Patriots had to settle for a field goal, and Joey Slye drilled it from 54 yards to make it a two score game. 49ers 27, Patriots 13 with 13:26 to play.

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Patriots get tricky, but penalty shuts down another drive — 6:25 p.m.

The Patriots pulled off one of the most unique plays of the season as DeMario Douglas caught one over the middle and lateraled it to Rhamondre Stevenson for a first down on third and 13, but it was called back after a dubious illegal blocking call on Tyquan Thornton. A screen pass on the ensuing third and 16 falls to the turf, and Bryce Baringer punts it away for the fourth time today.

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More punishment for Jacoby Brissett as another Patriots drive stalls — 6:10 p.m.

Jacoby Brissett took one of his biggest hits of the day on that drive from the 49ers’ Sam Okuayinonu, who popped Brissett as he hit Ja’Lynn Polk for a big gain. The rest of the drive went nowhere, and Bryce Baringer came out for another punt.

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49ers 27, Patriots 10 | 10:08, Q3

49ers break off a big play, respond with a touchdown — 6:02 p.m.

Kyle Dugger’s absence haunts the Patriots defense, as backup Jaylinn Hawkins is nowhere to be seen as Deebo Samuel gets free over the top for a 53-yard gain on the first play of the drive. It took just four plays for the 49ers to punch in another touchdown, and it’s 49ers 27, Patriots 10 early in the third.

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Kyle Dugger, David Andrews, Caedan Wallace all out for the day — 6:00 p.m.

A trio of Patriots — safety Kyle Dugger (ankle), center David Andrews (shoulder), and tackle Caedan Wallace (ankle) — have all been ruled out for the game after having been previously listed as questionable.

Bad news for a banged-up New England team that needs all the help it can get.

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49ers 20, Patriots 10 | 12:05, Q3

Patriots capitalize on turnover with first touchdown of the day — 5:56 p.m.

A bit of life for the Patriots. After a couple nice runs from Rhamondre Stevenson, New England opts to go for it on fourth and 1 the 5-yard line, and a play-action pass does the trick as Jacoby Brissett finds Austin Hooper wide open for the touchdown.

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Patriots catch a big break, force turnover to start the second half — 5:53 p.m.

That’s exactly what the Patriots needed — the 49ers fumble the kickoff to open the second half and New England recovers, setting Jacoby Brissett and the offense up on the San Francisco 27 to start the third quarter.

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An ugly stat for the Patriots — 5:50 p.m.

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Christopher Price’s halftime takeaways — 5:45 p.m.

By Christopher Price

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Two quarters are done here at Levi’s Stadium, and the Patriots are fortunate to only be down 20-3.

• Through the first two quarters, the Niners’ advantages on New England — even without someone like Christian McCafftey — were on full display. A steady offensive line, a healthy group of defenders, and more than enough elite players on both sides of the ball were plenty to keep the Patriots scrambling through the first two quarters. New England might find that gear at some point this season, but the Patriots just don’t have the talent to consistently match up with teams like San Francisco right now.

• On offense, the best example came with just over three minutes left when, after a series of penalties on San Francisco, Brock Purdy flipped the ball up to George Kittle in the corner of the end zone for an higlight-reel 12-yard connection. Just an impressive pitch-and-catch between the quarterback and tight end, a play that made it 20-0 with 3:11 to go in the first half.

• On defense, it showed up on New England’s first drive of the second quarter when San Francisco linebacker Fred Warner made a phenomenal pick of Brissett, The first interception of the season for the veteran quarterback. Warner high-pointed the ball over the middle, and had the presence of mind to get up, and then turn it into a 45-yard pick six. Just a great football play from start to finish for the veteran defender, one that put the Patriots into a 13-0 hole with 14:01 left in the first half.

• The Patriots, who had relied so heavily on Rhamondre Stevenson over the first three games, went way from the veteran back in the second quarter. Whether it was disciplinary for his first-quarter fumble, the need to give him a breather because of the heat, or a matchup situation, Jerod Mayo went to JaMycal Hasty and Antonio Gibson far more frequently in the second quarter than he had to any point in the first three games. Something to keep an eye on moving forward.

• After the Warner interception, the Patriots put together a few nice plays early in the second, a series that started with an 11-yard pass to Kayshon Boutte (the longest of the first half to that point in the game), an 8-yard connection with Hunter Henry, and a 9-yard run from Hasty. But New England stalled out deep in San Francisco territory when the Patriots couldn’t convert on a fourth and short, turning the ball over on downs. (As an aside, the initial spot on third down after the catch from Boutte didn’t do New England any favors.)

• Late in the second quarter, the Patriots lost another ironman, as veteran safety Kyle Dugger — who hadn’t missed a defensive snap through the first three games of the season — left the lineup because of an ankle issue. He was listed as questionable to return. In addition, Caedan Wallace (ankle) was also listed as questionable. They joined veteran center David Andrews on the sideline.

• Deatrich Wise had a sack midway through the second quarter, but the impact of that was quickly erased when Brock Purdy found Jauan Jennings for a 32-yard pickup that set the Niners up with excellent field position for their first offensive touchdown of the second quarter.

• One more defensive note: the Patriots really miss Ja’Whaun Bentley. He gives them plenty of muscle against the run, is a dependable presence as a pass defender, and he’s a peerless leader. But there’s also the domino effect of not having someone like that in the lineup. Every one of the defenders who remain on the field have to do more when an elite defender like Bentley isn’t out there. New England just isn’t deep enough to offset his loss.

• Joey Slye connected on a 63-yarder to end the first half, a career-long for the kicker and a Patriots franchise record. The best moment of the first two quarters for New England. The only other special teams note worth passing along for the Patriots was likely a 39-yard punt from Bryce Baringer that was dropped inside the San Francisco 20-yard line. Marcus Jones was very nearly de-cleated on a punt return at the end of the second quarter, a return that went for 10 yards.

• The Niners will get the ball to start the second half.

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49ers 20, Patriots 3 | Halftime

Joey Slye hits franchise record 63-yard field goal, Patriots trail big at halftime — 5:35 p.m.

The Patriots decided to give kicker Joey Slye a chance to kick from 63 yards, and he boomed it through to set a new franchise record and put New England on the board in the process.

The Patriots were on the edge of field goal range to start one last drive in the second quarter and only went backward, with right guard Layden Robinson struggling to give any resistance to 49ers defensive lineman Maliek Collins. Collins bullied Robinson to take down Jacoby Brissett and push New England back to midfield, but a 6-yard gain from JaMycal Hasty got the Patriots back to the 49ers 45-yard line.

That was close enough for Jerod Mayo to put some faith in his kicker, who drilled it from 63 yards to make it 20-3 heading into halftime.

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Patriots get a stop, force first 49ers punt of the day — 5:30 p.m.

With the 49ers pinned deep, the New England defense finally keeps them off the board, forcing San Francisco’s first punt of the game. It could’ve been better as the ball was on the ground at one point, but 49ers running back Jordan Mason jumped on his own fumble. Marcus Jones returns the punt to the San Francisco 39, and New England has a chance to put up its first points of the day with 39 seconds to play in the second quarter.

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Another Patriots drive goes nowhere, Brissett takes a big hit — 5:20 p.m.

A tough day for Jacoby Brissett behind a banged-up offensive line, as he gets popped on a third-down blitz and has to recover his own fumble. Bryce Baringer is out to punt as New England looks likely to finish the first half scoreless.

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Injuries piling up for Patriots — 5:15 p.m.

Safety Kyle Dugger and rookie tackle Caedan Wallace are both questionable to return with ankle injuries. Center David Andrews has yet to return after a shoulder injury earlier in the game.

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49ers 20, Patriots 0 | 3:11, Q2

Patriots defense catches a couple breaks, but 49ers find the end zone in style — 5:10 p.m.

Some good fortune for the New England defense, which gave up two touchdowns on that drive which were called back for some questionable-looking flags on the 49ers. First, a long run for Jordan Mason was chalked off for a hold on George Kittle that seemed like a typical block, then a touchdown catch from Kyle Juszczyk was also called back for an illegal shift when it looked like the 49ers offense was set just fine.

It didn’t matter: Kittle went up over three defenders for a highlight-reel touchdown grab, and the third TD of the drive counted to put San Francisco up three scores. It’s a long way back for the Patriots now.

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Patriots move the ball nicely but get stuffed on fourth down — 4:55 p.m.

After two costly turnovers, the Patriots bounced back with a solid drive to get into field goal range for the first time. But New England couldn’t get it done on fourth and 1 from the 49ers’ 29, with Rhamondre Stevenson getting stuffed as the Patriots turned it over on downs.

A couple nice throws from Jacoby Brissett got New England over midfield and Brissett hit Ja’Lynn Polk for 10 yards on third and 11 to set up the short-yardage situation. The 49ers held firm, and the Patriots came up empty.

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49ers 13, Patriots 0 | 13:59, Q2

Jacoby Brissett throws a pick-6 — 4:43 p.m.

Another turnover for the Patriots and a much more costly one, as Jacoby Brissett throws a pick-6 to All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner. Brissett never saw Warner over the middle, and San Francisco’s superstar linebacker brought it all the way for the first touchdown of the day.

49ers 13, Patriots 0 after Brissett’s first pick of the season.

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Christopher Price’s first quarter takeaways — 4:40 p.m.

By Christopher Price

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — One quarter is done here at Levi’s Stadium, and the Patriots trail 6-0.

• The Patriots did well to convert a pair of third-down opportunities on their first drive of the afternoon, with passes to Rhamondre Stevenson and Pop Douglas. But faced with a fourth and 3 just after crossing over the midfield stripe, they opted to punt. In what looked like four-down territory for a team like New England, it was a questionable call for head coach Jerod Mayo.

• Stevenson lost the handle on New England’s second drive of the quarter, his fourth fumble on the season. It was an ugly play for the proud running back, who talked last week about ball security.

“It brings me back to kind of when I first got into the NFL,” Stevenson recalled. “I remember the conversation was about knowing when the journey’s over. It’s just something I’ve got to do; go back to and just hold on to the ball.”

The Niners turned it into their second score of the day, a 26-yard field goal from Jake Moody.

• Nick Bosa lined up opposite Mike Onwenu for the majority of the reps in the early going, and the two have wrestled mostly to a draw. (Onwenu has gotten some help with chips from a few players, including tight end Austin Hooper.) Bosa flipped from one side to the other shortly after the Patriots crossed midfield to test young left tackle Demontrey Jacobs on one play.

• The Patriots started the game using Christian Gonzalez on Brandon Aiyuk, but they shifted to combo coverage midway through the first quarter. It didn’t seem to make much difference, however, as the Niners consistently chewed up yards on their only drive of the quarter. Brock Purdy guided the San Francisco offense neatly down the field, and while things stalled out in the red zone, the Niners did get on the board with a 22-yard field goal from Moody to make it 3-0 with 2:26 left in the first. In the end, it was 15 plays, 90 yards, and 7:45 on the first scoring drive of the day for the Niners.

• David Andrews sustained a shoulder injury, and was announced as questionable to return. Andrews wasn’t on the field for New England’s second drive of the day, which marked a milestone for the veteran; it was the first offensive snap he’s missed since November 20, 2022. As of this moment, Kyle Dugger, Mike Onwenu, and Layden Robinson are the only guys who have gone wire-to-wire since the start of the season.

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49ers 6, Patriots 0 | End Q1

Patriots defense holds, 49ers settle for field goal — 4:37 p.m.

The New England defense did the best it could in a tough spot after Rhamondre Stevenson’s fumble, holding the 49ers to another field goal after San Francisco took over from the Patriots’ 30-yard line. New England was all over every 49ers route on third down, forcing Brock Purdy to throw it away and settle for 3 points.

Jake Moody hits it from 26 yards and it’s 49ers 6, Patriots 0.

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Rhamondre Stevenson fumbles again, 49ers recover — 4:33 p.m.

Rhamondre Stevenson’s ball security issues continue. He fumbles for the fourth game in a row to open the season as the Patriots turn it over on the first play of their second drive. San Francisco takes over at New England’s 30-yard line, putting the 49ers in field goal range already.

David Andrews wasn’t out there for the lone play of that drive, marking the first regular-season snap he’s missed in nearly two years.

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49ers kick a field goal, get on the board first — 4:30 p.m.

Jake Moody knocks it through from 22 yards, and the 49ers open the scoring with a field goal.

The Patriots lost track of 49ers star Brandon Aiyuk on that drive as he got wide open on the back end for a 38-yard gain. That was the crucial play of a 15-play, 90-yard drive that also featured two Brock Purdy scrambles on third down to keep the drive alive.

Purdy also scrambled out of the pocket on third and 9 from the New England 21, finding George Kittle for a 15-yard gain to put the 49ers on the doorstep, but Christian Gonzalez made a crucial tackle on Deebo Samuel to help keep San Francisco to a field goal.

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C David Andrews leaves the bench, questionable to return — 4:20 p.m.

By Christopher Price and Ben Volin

David Andrews has left the bench area — he’s not in his usual spot alongside the rest of the offensive linemen.

Nick Leverett will be the backup center if Andrews doesn’t return. Last we saw Leverett he struggled in the final preseason game.

The Patriots said Andrews was questionable to return with a shoulder injury.

If Andrews doesn’t return, it would be a milestone. He hasn’t missed an offensive snap since November 20, 2022.

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Patriots move the ball, but choose to punt — 4:15 p.m.

A solid first drive for the Patriots, who convert on a couple first downs on passes from Jacoby Brissett to Rhamondre Stevenson and DeMario Douglas. But after an incompletion on third and 3 at the San Francisco 41, Jerod Mayo opts to have Brissett hard count to try to draw a flag, take a delay of game, and bring out Bryce Baringer for a punt. Baringer pins the 49ers at their own 7-yard line, where Brock Purdy and the offense will take over.

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We’re underway in Santa Clara — 4:05 p.m.

The 49ers kick off and the Patriots will start with the ball on the road. Follow along with us throughout the day for updates and analysis.

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An early look at the Patriots offensive line in warmups — 3:30 p.m.

By Christopher Price

Patriots starting OL in warmups:

LT Demontrey Jacobs

LG Sidy Sow

C David Andrews

RG Layden Robinson

RT Mike Onwenu

Sidy Sow returns from injury at left guard but the revolving door at left tackle continues with Demontrey Jacobs coming in for the injured Vederian Lowe.

If this holds for the game, Jacobs would be the fourth different LT the Patriots have had over the first four games of the season.

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Roger Goodell is in the building — 3:20 p.m.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is in Santa Clara for Sunday’s Patriots-49ers matchup at Levi Stadium, and was spotted on the sidelines chatting with San Francisco owner Jed York.

Also in Santa Clara is Patriots receiver Kendrick Bourne, who remains on the PUP list but got a warm reception from the 49ers fans — Bourne played the first four seasons of his career in San Francisco.

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Chad Finn: Patriots could be in for another long afternoon — 3:15 p.m.

By Chad Finn

Before we plunge into this Patriots-49ers matchup, a quick query for those of you who want Drake Maye to become the QB1 sometime soon:

What do you think will happen if he plays?

That he’ll suddenly be the elixir for the gaping, offense-ruining hole at left tackle, which this week could be filled by (checks updated roster) Demontrey Jacobs? That he’ll make headier rapid-fire decisions than Jacoby Brissett, who somehow hasn’t turned the ball over despite being under siege on nearly 50 percent of his dropbacks this season? That his arm talent can overcome an offense that is at least one more productive draft away from anything resembling competence?

That’s not what would happen. Here’s what would happen: Maye would absorb a bludgeoning, because his internal clock isn’t set properly to be an NFL quarterback yet … well, that, and they’re one more injury away from ringing up Matt Light to see if he can play left tackle next week. Maye would make the kind of desperation mistakes that Brissett has not, and so the losses would become more lopsided. And his confidence would take as many, if not more, hits than his torso.

This is both common sense and the clear truth: Until the line is repaired or until Brissett gets hurt — and the latter is far more likely than the former this season — Maye cannot start.

It would be detrimental to everything that matters in the long term, and the long term is all that matters.

Watching them get steamrolled by the likes of the Jets is not fun. But this is how it has to be.

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What to know about the Patriots, 49ers inactives — 2:45 p.m.

By Christopher Price

The Patriots just revealed the final list of inactives moments ago. Here’s a complete list, and how the moves will impact personnel this afternoon.

Outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings (shoulder) was on the injury report all week; without Jennings, more will be on the shoulders of fellow pass rushers/edge defenders like Joshua Uche and Keion White. We could also see Jahlani Tavai move over from the inside to an outside linebacker/edge spot this afternoon to present a different look.

Offensive tackle Vederian Lowe (knee) and offensive lineman Michael Jordan (knee) were scratched on Friday. Their absence will likely mean more work for rookie left tackle Caedan Wallace and guard Sidy Sow, the latter of whom will be back after three weeks on the shelf because of an ankle injury.

Defensive end Jamree Kromah and tight end Jaheim Bell are healthy scratches, while, Joe Milton III is the emergency quarterback.

The notable actives include Sow, who missed the first three games of the season with an ankle injury he sustained in the preseason finale. It also means the Patriots will head into today’s game with six wide receivers, a group that includes Tyquan Thornton, Javon Baker, and Kayshon Boutte.

In addition, with Alex Austin going on injured reserve Saturday, newly elevated Isaiah Bolden will be active for the first time this season. Similarly, defensive lineman Trysten Hill and tight end Mitchell Wilcox, who were elevated off the practice squad Saturday, will be active for the second and first time this season, respectively.

Meanwhile, several of the banged-up members of the Niners are all good to go, a group that includes wide receiver Deebo Samuel (calf), left tackle Trent Williams (toe), linebacker Dee Winters, defensive tackle Jordan Elliott (foot), and tight end George Kittle (hamstring) are all active today.

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What will the Patriots do without Ja’Whaun Bentley? — 2:30 p.m.

By Christopher Price

For the Patriots, life without Ja’Whaun Bentley won’t be easy. But inside linebackers coach Dont’a Hightower has faith that they can make it work.

“We’ve got the guys to do it,” Hightower said Thursday when asked what it’ll take to replace the veteran linebacker, who was placed on injured reserve Wednesday. “We’ve got a really good room.

“Obviously he’s a captain, a leader. A leader of the team, leader of the defense. Leader of the linebacker room. I hate seeing that.”

Bentley, who went down with a torn pectoral in the overtime loss to Seattle in Week 2, was already carrying an awful lot on his shoulders. He is a perennial captain who provided plenty of muscle against the run with 100-plus tackles the last three seasons, and was doing his part to make up for the loss of defensive tackle Christian Barmore, who is on the shelf for an undetermined period of time because of blood clots.

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Are the Patriots’ problems on the offensive line fixable? — 2:15 p.m.

By Nicole Yang

Patriots opponents have generated the highest pressure rate (48.5) in the NFL. In Week 3, the Jets registered seven sacks and 15 quarterback hits. The Patriots, who have had some success with run blocking, are faltering in pass protection, badly, leaving quarterback Jacoby Brissett often under duress.

Nick Bosa, who led the NFL in sacks in 2022 with 18½, could have a field day.

So how much improvement can the Patriots realistically expect?

According to Van Pelt, coach Jerod Mayo, and the players, the problems are correctable. The group needs to see the defense through “the same set of goggles,” said Mayo. The errors are “mental mistakes” and “easily fixable,” said rookie guard Layden Robinson.

“When you have a good offensive line, it’s not about the individuals,” Mayo said. “We’ve had guys in and out of the lineup. We’ve got to get some continuity there and go from there.”

It’s true that injuries have resulted in some unforeseen shuffling across the line.

At left tackle, the Patriots have gone from Chukwuma Okorafor, who left the team, to Vederian Lowe, who suffered a knee injury, to rookie Caedan Wallace, who also suffered a knee injury, to Demontrey Jacobs, who was claimed off waivers in August. If Jacobs starts Sunday, he’ll be their fourth starter at that position in as many weeks.

At left guard, the Patriots planned to start Sidy Sow until he suffered an ankle injury in the preseason finale. They’ve instead relied on Michael Jordan, who initially signed with the practice squad before getting promoted to the active roster in September after Sow’s injury. Jordan now has an injured ankle, too, and he has been declared out for Sunday, while Sow is ramping up his workload in hopes of a return.

If neither Sow nor Jordan is able to play, the Patriots may have to use another player they claimed off waivers, Zach Thomas.

Center and the right side of the line have had more continuity, with David Andrews, Robinson, and Mike Onwenu. Still, even this combination did not emerge until late in training camp because Onwenu began the summer at right guard.

The Patriots are hopeful that some consistency and continuity across the line will fortify the group via stronger communication and chemistry.

“The longer you play with each other and the longer you get to know the guy that you’re beside, it just becomes second nature,” Robinson said. “That’s like when you see those lines that play great, they’ve been together for years and years.

“That’s something that we’re building here. We’re just going to keep knowing each other and keep learning each other better every day.”

Is time really all this offensive line needs to get right?

Sure, the more reps together the better. The returns of Sow and Lowe should provide a boost.

But what the line really needs is an investment.

The Patriots have churned through players at left tackle amid their offensive line struggles the past two-plus seasons. They’ve used 13 players during this span, from Trent Brown to Conor McDermott to Marcus Cannon to Yodny Cajuste to Justin Herron. Brown is the only player who could be considered a premier option.

An investment doesn’t prevent injury, but it’s clear the personnel needs an upgrade.

Headed into this past offseason, the Patriots knew offensive line was a top priority. They added two right tackles with the intention of switching them to the left side. Okorafor, signed to a one-year deal, left the team after Week 1. Wallace, drafted in the third round, didn’t look ready in his first career start in Week 3.

Now, with three weeks in the books, the offensive line remains a pressing concern.

At this point, the Patriots don’t have a lot of options. They could pick up a veteran free agent at any time — La’el Collins, Julién Davenport, D.J. Humphries, and Donovan Smith are among those available — yet the personnel department doesn’t seem interested in doing so.

Yes, the free agents are far from franchise cornerstones. As much as the Patriots want to be a “draft and develop” team, there are still benefits to having a veteran in the mix. In mid-August, Mayo noted there was a “dramatic dropoff” between the first and second teams, as far as knowing what to do.

For now, the most likely path for the Patriots appears to be sticking with, coaching up, and trusting the current group (at least until the 2025 draft). Week 1 against Cincinnati — when the offensive line performed well enough that Mayo went as far to call concerns about the group “overblown” — serves as a blueprint.

If Bosa wreaks havoc the way he can, however, then it’s only going to become harder to maintain faith that the team, as currently constructed, will figure things out.

“I believe we can correct the problems internally,” Mayo said. “It comes down to details. We were not sharp on our details as a unit. That’s what the offensive line is. It’s not just one person. It’s a unit.”

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Can the Patriots make Brock Purdy uncomfortable? — 2:00 p.m.

By Khari Thompson

Purdy has completed 72.6 percent of his attempts this season. He went 22 of 30 for three touchdowns and no interceptions last week.

Patriots defensive end Keion White listed a couple of keys for making things uncomfortable for Purdy.

“Getting pressure in his face fast, winning our one-on-one matchups in the rush, and I feel like we have the personnel to do that,” said White.

The Patriots blitzed the Jets’ Aaron Rodgers on 40 percent of his dropbacks last week, according to Pro Football Focus. They sacked him twice, but for the most part, Rodgers didn’t look bothered, completing 27 of his 35 attempts for 281 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins compared it to Stephen Curry hitting 3-pointers with a hand in his face. The defense felt it had hands in Rodgers’s face a lot, but a great player made great plays, Wilkins said.

Keeping the quarterback in the pocket will be a point of emphasis.

“I think that goes back to our fundamentals,” Wilkins said. “There’s not going to be a scheme in our playbook that says we’re going to be OK with letting the quarterback out. All those things are accounted for; we’ve just got to lean on our fundamentals, lean on our rush-lane discipline.”

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Pats have a ‘nightmare’ matchup on the edge — 1:45 p.m.

Pass protection was an issue during last week’s loss to the Jets, as the Patriots allowed a season-high seven sacks.

This week, they’ll face one of the game’s premier pass rushers in Nick Bosa, who has averaged 14.8 sacks over the past three seasons.

“Nightmare. Great player. Generational player,” said Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. “Speed, power, all of it. So definitely an issue and definitely a concern. We have to make sure he doesn’t ruin the game for us, because he is that type of rusher.”

The Patriots will attempt to contain Bosa despite having limited depth at left tackle. Vederian Lowe (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday or Thursday. Chukwuma Okorafor left the team. Rookie Caedan Wallace, who started in place of Lowe, was limited (knee). — Khari Thompson

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Can Stevenson get a handle on his fumbling issues? — 1:30 p.m.

By Christopher Price

Rhamondre Stevenson has emerged as one of the best backs in the NFL, in the top 10 in most major rushing categories, including carries (52, ninth) and yards (224, 10th). He’s New England’s best and most productive offensive option, having rushed for 224 yards (4.3 yards per carry) and a pair of touchdowns.

But heading into this weekend, Stevenson is also one of nine players — and the only running back — who has fumbled three times.

“Ball security is job security” was a go-to phrase around Foxborough for years, a not-so-subtle hint that if you couldn’t maintain possession of the football, you might find yourself on the bench (or worse).

It doesn’t sound like Stevenson is in danger of losing his job. Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said having to sit down and talk ball security with Stevenson was like having an awkward conversation with a son.

“You love the guy, and he does the right thing the majority of the time,” Van Pelt said. “But you’ve got to sit and address it. He’s more embarrassed by it than anybody else. He’s a prideful guy who does great things for us in the run game. He’s just got to hold on to the ball, and he knows that. He’d be the first one to tell you.”

Coach Jerod Mayo said it’s not about technique or running style, and Stevenson said it won’t take a major change to remedy the issue. Instead, it’s more of a mindset.

“It brings me back to kind of when I first got into the NFL,” he recalled. “I remember the conversation was about knowing when the journey’s over. It’s just something I’ve got to do; go back to and just hold on to the ball.”

Part of the issue is also part of what makes Stevenson special. He has remarkable yards after contact numbers. Through the first two games, he had 201 rushing yards, despite being contacted behind the line of scrimmage on a league-high 60.9 percent of his carries, per NFL Next Gen Stats.

At the same time, that sort of approach could be a double-edged sword. Last week against the Jets, safety Chuck Clark ripped the ball out of Stevenson’s hands when it looked like the back was angling for a couple of extra yards.

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Amin Touri can be reached at [email protected]. Katie McInerney can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her @k8tmac. Nicole Yang can be reached at [email protected] her @nicolecyang. Christopher Price can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @cpriceglobe. Ben Volin can be reached at [email protected].