Patriots vs. Seahawks inactives: Efton Chism a healthy scratch, Seattle down core defender
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 2: Efton Chism III #86 of the New England Patriots looks on during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons at Gillette Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesThe New England Patriots will not be using their entire wide receiver depth to kick off their 2026 season. Efton Chism has been deemed a healthy scratch for the Wednesday night opener against the Seattle Seahawks.
The second-year man spent the summer as the last option among New England's roster-caliber wideouts. While he still saw regular action with the starting offense around quarterback Drake Maye, especially as a do-it-all injury replacement, his role was that of a backup. With the rest of the group all healthy for Week 1, the game plan simply did not call for him to be used.
Chism therefore starts his sophomore campaigned as one of seven inactives.
Patriots inactives- QB3 Behren Morton
- RB TreVeyon Henderson
- WR Efton Chism III
- OL Ben Brown
- OL Walter Rouse
- LB Erick Hunter
- CB Karon Prunty
The Patriots entered Wednesday with two players already ruled out for the game. Running back TreVeyon Henderson, who hurt his ankle in practice on Aug. 24, remained sidelined throughout the preparation for the contest and was eventually deemed unable to go despite making the trip to Seattle. Backup interior offensive lineman Ben Brown, who is nursing a knee injury, remained in Foxborough to begin with.
The other inactives, meanwhile, are all healthy scratches just like Efton Chism. Behren Morton serves as the emergency quarterback, while late pickups Walter Rouse and Erick Hunter as well as rookie cornerback Karon Prunty are not yet at a point where they can contribute at their respective positions.
Seahawks inactives- QB Jalen Milroe
- WR Tory Horton
- TE Nick Kallerup
- OL Beau Stephens
- ED Mike Morris
- S Nick Emmanwori
- S Ty Okada
The most notable name on the Seahawks' list of inactives is safety Nick Emmanwori, the team's starting nickel and a crucial piece of their secondary. Emmanwori was listed as questionable because of an ankle injury and his absence, together with that of fellow safety Ty Okada, will put pressure on Seattle's safety depth on Wednesday night.
Kickoff between the Patriots and Seahawks at Seattle's Lumen Field is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET.