Defensive Line

The Patriots are short on depth along the defensive line.

Rookie Derek Rivers tore his ACL in practice earlier this week and is out for the season. 

Rookie Deatrich Wise left last week’s preseason game against Jacksonville with a head injury and did not return.

Linebacker Shea McClellin missed both joint practices with Houston.

Who is Left?

Left at the position are Trey Flowers, Kony Ealy, Geneo Grissom and Caleb Kidder, an undrafted rookie.

JJ Watt 

JJ Watt presents a big preseason challenge for the Patriots offensive line. 

During 11 on 11 drills, Watt beat offensive linemen Joe Thuney and Marcus Cannon and got to Brady on multiple occasions. 

Watt, who missed all but three games last season, has 76 career sacks and 299 career tackles. 

Brady & Cooks 

Tom Brady and the starters are expected to see time in this game, according to reports. 

The chemistry between Tom Brady and new wide receiver Brandin Cooks has been building throughout training camp. 

This week during Wednesday's practice against the Texans, Cooks caught five of eight passes from Brady including a long touchdown pass on a post route with Texans corner Kevin Johnson in coverage. 

While it is unknown how much Brady and Cooks will play on Thursday, look for their practice field chemistry to translate to the game. 

First Look at Secondary 

With the starters expected to play, Saturday will serve as the first look at the Patriots secondary with the addition of Stephon Gilmore. 

Gilmore sat out Tuesday's practice against the Texans due to a coaches decison, but returned on Wednesday. 

Throughout camp the secondary has been aggressive, playing a lot of bump and run coverage and frustrating the Patriots and Texans offenses at times. 

Ongoing Position Battles 

The second preseason game will offer up another look at some of the ongoing position battles on the Patriots roster. 

Cornerback 

The battle continues for the third cornerback spot for use in nickel packages. 

Cyrus Jones really struggled in last week's game against Jacksonville, getting beat for touchdowns on two big plays. 

Eric Rowe saw time with the starters during camp this week when Gilmore sat out. He is the favorite to win the third spot. 

Running Back 

Last week, Dion Lewis saw an entire half of action against the Jaguars, carrying the ball 7 times for 32 yards. Following the game, there was speculation that Lewis could be in a battle for his job. 

With James White and Rex Burkehead expected to see time, it will be interesting to see where and when Lewis' reps come in the game.