Patriots vs. 49ers inactive: The defense suffers a setback with Anfernee Jennings out

Against one of the most talented offensive players in the NFL, the New England Patriots defense will have to eliminate another key player: Anfernee Jennings was ruled out of the Patriots’ Week 4 game against the San Francisco 49ers due to a shoulder injury. The fifth-grader was listed as questionable entering the contest.

As a starter on the defensive line, Jennings was on the field for 58.8 percent of New England’s defensive shots through the first three games of the season. While he is primarily a run defender, the former third-round draft pick has also developed into a serviceable player against the pass.

Without him, the Patriots could rely on defensive linemen like Keion White or Deatrich Wise Jr. or off-ball linebackers Jahlani Tavai and Raekwon McMillan to provide depth on the outside. Either way, the loss of 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 like this:

Patriots inactive

• TE Jaheim Bell
• ED Anfernee Jennings
• G Michael Jordan
• EN Jamree Kromah
• OT Vederian Lowe
• QB Joe Milton III (emergency QB)

The Patriots originally had three players ruled out for their game in San Francisco, but one of them – cornerback Alex Austin (ankle) – has since been placed on injured reserve. The other two, offensive tackle Vederian Lowe and guard Michael Jordan, are joined by four other players on the inactive list.

In addition to the aforementioned Jennings, the Patriots have also inactived tight end Jaheim Bell, defensive lineman Jamree Kromah and third-string quarterback Joe Milton. They are all healthy scratches.

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

The other player listed as questionable – cornerback Jonathan Jones (shoulder) – was also given the green light to play.

49ers inactive

• G Ben Bartch
• WR Ronnie Bell
• QB Joshua Dobbs (emergency QB)
• S Talanoa Hufanga
• CB Darrell Luter

The two biggest names when it comes to the 49ers’ inactive 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 assume their usual roles in San Francisco’s starting lineup.

Kickoff between the Patriots and 49ers at Levi’s Stadium is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET. According to the latest odds from FanDuel, New England enters the game as a 10.5-point underdog.