Here’s a bold statement: the Patriots’ Week 6 matchup against the Saints in New Orleans could be their biggest test yet, and it’s not just because they’re hitting the road as favorites. But here’s where it gets controversial: after their stunning upset over the Bills last week, can they avoid a letdown against a seemingly less formidable opponent? And this is the part most people miss—the Saints, while not as hyped as the Bills, present unique challenges that could trip up New England if they’re not careful.
The good news? The Patriots are heading into Sunday’s game at the Caesars Superdome with some key players officially active. Cornerback Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) and defensive tackle Milton Williams (illness), both listed as questionable earlier in the week, are suiting up. This is huge, especially for Gonzalez, whose hamstring injury has been a lingering concern. After missing the first three games of the season, the star cornerback was limited in practice this week, sparking worries about his availability. However, Patriots coaches clarified that his restricted participation was part of a maintenance plan to keep him healthy for game day.
Cornerbacks coach Justin Hamilton explained, ‘He’s on a structured plan with [Vrabel], [director of sports performance] Frank [Piraino], and [head athletic trainer] Jim [Whalen]. It’s about easing him into practice—dynamic stretching, warm-ups, and controlled drills—to ensure he’s ready for the high-speed moments.’ While it’s never ideal to see an All-Pro player on the injury report, Gonzalez’s presence is critical, especially with Saints wide receiver Chris Olave emerging as quarterback Spencer Rattler’s go-to target. Olave’s 54 targets through five weeks are the second-most in the NFL, though his production (7.4 yards per catch) hasn’t matched the volume. Still, neutralizing Rattler’s favorite weapon will be pivotal for the Patriots’ defense.
But here’s the catch: Gonzalez’s effectiveness and playing time remain a question mark. How much can he truly contribute while managing his injury? And if he’s limited, can the Patriots’ secondary hold up against a Saints offense looking to exploit any weakness? It’s a risky gamble, but one the Patriots seem willing to take.
Meanwhile, Milton Williams’ activation is a relief, though his workload will likely be monitored as he battles through illness. The Patriots’ defense is already stretched thin, with linebacker Anfernee Jennings (ankle), safety Jaylinn Hawkins (hamstring), and defensive end Keion White (elbow) all inactive. The edge rush, in particular, is under the microscope. With Jennings and White out, the return of K’Lavon Chaisson—back after a one-week absence due to a knee injury—is a much-needed boost. Chaisson, an LSU product, will likely reclaim his starting role opposite captain Harold Landry, adding familiarity to the lineup in his home state.
The Patriots also elevated defensive end Truman Jones from the practice squad, a move that speaks to his impressive training camp performance. Head coach Mike Vrabel praised Jones’ speed-to-power transition and explosiveness, hinting that he could see meaningful snaps. Additionally, undrafted rookie Elijah Ponder and linebacker Jahlani Tavai are active, providing depth in the edge rotation. Tavai, in particular, offers versatility, having played both on and off the line of scrimmage in his season debut last week.
Now, here’s where opinions might diverge: Is the Patriots’ defensive depth enough to withstand the Saints’ offense, or are they one injury away from disaster? With Hawkins out, safety Kyle Dugger is expected to step into a larger role alongside rookie Craig Woodson. Dugger, who played just one snap last week, will need to quickly adjust to a more prominent position, while DB Dell Pettus likely takes over as the big nickel. It’s a lot of moving parts, and how they mesh could determine the game’s outcome.
On offense, the spotlight is on undrafted rookie receiver Efton Chism III, who’s active for the first time this season. Chism, a healthy scratch in the first five games, could make his NFL debut with a potential role on kickoff returns. This is no small development, as the Patriots are reeling from the season-ending knee injury to top kickoff returner Antonio Gibson. Last week, lead back Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson filled the void, but exposing them to additional hits is a risk Vrabel seems unwilling to take. Chism’s activation suggests he’s in line for return duties, though rookie WR Kyle Williams could also factor in.
At running back, Terrell Jennings was elevated from the practice squad as the third option. While Henderson and Stevenson will shoulder most of the load, Jennings provides insurance—a necessity in a position as physically demanding as running back. Still, his role is likely to be minimal unless injuries force his hand.
Here’s the million-dollar question: Can the Patriots maintain their momentum after last week’s emotional win, or will they fall victim to the classic letdown game? WR Stefon Diggs summed it up perfectly: ‘To be honest, it might be a bigger test than last week.’ The Bills may be the better team, but the Saints present a different kind of challenge. New England is now the NFL’s darling, and handling success with humility and focus will be key. If they underestimate the Saints, they could be in for a rude awakening.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET in New Orleans, and the stakes are clear. The Patriots have the talent to win, but do they have the discipline? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—are you confident in New England’s ability to avoid a letdown, or do you see the Saints pulling off the upset?
Disclaimer: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don’t necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer
