Patriots' Jabrill Peppers downgraded to questionable

Peppers was added to the injury report with a hip injury on Saturday.

Jabrill Peppers could miss Sunday’s season-opening matchup against the Bengals with a hip injury. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff

The Patriots could be without one of their defensive leaders for Sunday’s season-opening matchup against the Bengals.

Jabrill Peppers was added to the Patriots’ injury report and downgraded to questionable for Sunday’s game due to a hip injury, the team announced Saturday.

It’s unclear when the Patriots safety suffered the hip injury. Peppers wasn’t listed on the injury report at all during the week, signaling that he was a full participant at all three practices. Of course, something likely changed between the end of Friday’s practice and ahead of the Patriots’ trip to Cincinnati.

If Peppers is unable to go in the season opener, that would obviously be a pretty big blow to a New England squad that can’t afford many. Peppers was arguably the Patriots’ most consistent player on defense in 2023. He had the fourth-most combined tackles (78), two interceptions, and a forced fumble. His 87.3 defensive grade on Pro Football Focus was also the highest on the team and the fifth-highest among all safeties.

Additionally, Peppers was one of the few top players on the Patriots who didn’t deal with an injury that cost them much time in 2023. He played in 15 games and was on the field for 84 percent of their defensive snaps.

Peppers was recently named a captain for the Patriots as well. It marked the first time that Peppers earned that honor since he signed with the Patriots in 2022, with head coach Jerod Mayo previously remarking on his leadership.

While Peppers’s leadership has been praised by coaches and players, his most noticeable improvement on the field came in pass coverage last season. In addition to the two interceptions, opposing quarterbacks 20 of 34 passes for just 132 yards and a touchdown when throwing in Peppers’s direction, per PFF.

So, having Peppers available would certainly be beneficial for the Patriots as they go against one of the league’s top passing attacks. However, New England might catch a break this weekend in that regard. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase said he’s a game-time decision for Sunday’s game after returning to practice this week following his weeks-long “hold-in.” If he plays, Chase said he would receive a limited number of snaps.

Fellow Bengals receiver Tee Higgins had an injury pop up in practice this week. After missing Friday’s practice, Higgins was listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game due to a hamstring issue.

If Peppers isn’t able to go on Sunday, Jaylinn Hawkins or undrafted rookie Dell Pettus could see an increased number of snaps. The Patriots could also call up A.J. Thomas, who is the only safety on their practice squad.