RealGM

This game will be the Patriots’ final home preseason game of 2014. Unlike the previous two weeks where the Patriots participated in joint practices with their preseason opponents, they are competing against only themselves this week. The Patriots and Panthers are not holding joint practices in anticipation of Friday’s game. This game will mark the second time in as many weeks that the Patriots will face a team they previous played (and beat) in the Super Bowl.

Last week, they were victorious against the Philadelphia Eagles, who they beat in Super Bowl XXXIX. The Patriots played the Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII and ended up hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.

Friday’s game will mark the seventh preseason meeting between Carolina and New England (Patriots lead 4-2 in the preseason series), but the first since 2007 when the Patriots won 24-7 at Carolina. The Panthers are 3-2 against the Patriots in the regular season, but the series is knotted up at three wins apiece when the playoffs are taken into account, thanks to that thrilling Super Bowl victory by the Patriots.

As anticipated, Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has been ruled out for the Friday night game against Carolina with a knee issue.

Gronkowski, who is working his way back from ACL injury, participated in team drills Monday for the first time this preseason. He plans on playing in the regular season opener.