Patriots inactives:

Emeka Egbuka traveled to Jacksonville with the team this week but is resting his toe injury. I’d be surprised if we see him next week. Focus is on having him back for Week 1 vs. Bengals.

Related Players: Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, Tez Johnson, Ted Hurst

Tampa Bay appears to be deliberately preserving Egbuka for Week 1, but his prolonged absence adds some draft-day uncertainty. The previous favorable diagnosis prevents an aggressive downgrade, though his participation in team drills will be important next week. Godwin would receive the clearest target boost if Egbuka is unavailable or limited, while Johnson, Hurst, and the Buccaneers’ other depth receivers could receive additional reps.

Klint Kubiak said they’re still monitoring Ashton Jeanty’s status heading into Week 1, “but we’re counting on him.”

Related Players: Mike Washington Jr., Dylan Laube, Dare Ogunbowale

Kubiak stopped short of confirming that Jeanty will play, but his wording moves the situation in a slightly positive direction. Washington remains the clear contingency and should be rostered everywhere, while Jeanty is a far more risky bet at the 1/2 turn than even one week ago.

Per Kyle Trimble (@BangedUpBills) who noted that it appears Kincaid hasn’t been limited by the observed injury. However, Trimble noted back on July 30 that Kincaid may have suffered a right ring or pinky finger injury based on the tape mechanism he sported at the start of training camp.

Fast-forward to this week, and Dan Fetes confirms that Kincaid had indeed broken his right pinky finger at some point in camp. That brought about a bit of an uncomfortable pause in the room before discussing that even with the splint on, Kincaid’s training camp this summer has been so good the injury’s gone largely unnoticed. On a similar theme, Kincaid hasn’t worn a knee brace in camp, and he’s been a big part of the offense’s plans in the early going.

Related Players: Dawson Knox, Jackson Hawes

The previously undisclosed fracture sounds more alarming than it is. Kincaid practiced through the injury and has reportedly performed well, leaving no reason for a draft-day adjustment. If anything, his uninterrupted participation provides additional reassurance after the knee problems that limited him last season.