Patriots Activate Charles Woods Against Raiders Despite Injuries

New England will enter its Week 5 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders with a depleted cornerback unit after four players at the position were ruled out. Charles Woods, who had been questionable with a shoulder injury, was cleared to play Sunday, giving the Patriots another available option in their defensive backfield.

According to Pats Pulpit, Woods will join Marcus Jones and recent roster addition Kindle Vildor in the available cornerback group. The clearance comes after Woods sustained his shoulder injury during New England's previous victory over the Buffalo Bills.

The Patriots confirmed four cornerbacks among their inactive players: Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III, Channing Canada and Karon Prunty. Gonzalez is dealing with a shoulder injury, Davis has a neck injury, and rookie backups Canada and Prunty are sidelined by hamstring injuries, according to the report.

New England's complete inactive list also includes quarterback Behren Morton and offensive tackle Dametrious Crownover. Both are third-string or reserve options, and their absence was not considered unexpected by Pats Pulpit.

Fullback Reggie Gilliam and wide receiver Mack Hollins were also ruled out in Friday's final injury report. Gilliam was listed with ankle and knee injuries, while Hollins was dealing with a calf injury. Both subsequently landed on injured reserve and will be unavailable for at least the next four weeks, according to the report.

The Raiders will also be missing several players for the Week 5 contest. Their inactive list includes quarterback Aidan O'Connell, running back Roman Hemby, wide receiver Jalen Nailor, offensive lineman Trey Zuhn III, defensive tackle J.J. Pegues, and safeties Tristin McCollum and Dalton Johnson.

Nailor's absence follows a concussion that had already ruled him out on Friday. The receiver was listed among the Raiders' inactive players ahead of the matchup with New England.

Las Vegas will, however, have running back Ashton Jeanty available. Jeanty had been listed as questionable because of ankle and foot injuries, but he was cleared to play against the Patriots.