Jarrett Stidham among Week 1 inactives as Brian Hoyer backs up Cam Newton

Backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham is inactive for the Patriots’ Week 1 contest against the Dolphins.

Stidham, 24, was New England’s expected starter before the team signed Cam Newton to a veteran minimum deal this offseason.

Journeyman backup Brian Hoyer, 34, will back up 31-year-old Newton versus the Dolphins, who ended the 2019 season by spoiling the Patriots’ streak of first-round bye in a shocking Week 17 upset that ended 27-24.

The 2019 fourth-rounder from Auburn had been dealing with a hip injury during training camp which did not appear serious. Sunday’s news would seem to indicate that he has been relegated to the third-string QB behind Hoyer on the Patriots’ depth chart.

Rookie linebackers Josh Uche (neck), Cassh Maluia, rookie tight end Dalton Keene (neck) and tackle Korey Cunningham are also inactive for today’s 1 p.m. EST matchup in Foxboro.