New England Patriots defensive end Trey Flowers hasn’t seen any action in the preseason because of an undisclosed injury, but he sounded extremely confident in his chances of playing in Week 1 of the 2018 NFL season, per Andrew Callahan of Mass Live.

“Yeah, man. That's the plan,” replied Flowers when asked Sunday if he would play. “I play football, so it's time for football to be played.”

Although the Patriots nor Flowers has revealed the exact nature of the cause of his absence from preseason games, it’s been assumed by some that it’s merely to give the former Arkansas Razorbacks standout as much rest as possible.

Flowers has seen action in 36 of 28 possible games (including postseason contests) over the last two years.  Flowers also sustained a laceration on his forehead during the early phase of the camp, so that’s also likely a significant reason why he hasn’t practiced much of late either.

Article Continues Below
More New England Patriots News
Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium.
Patriots rumors: Mike Florio examines ‘complicated’ Stefon Diggs cut scenarioBen Strauss ·
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel (center) with Eastern Washington receiver Efton Chism III (left) and Patriots cornerback Kobee Minor (right)
3 New England Patriots hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowJaren Kawada ·
Oct 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) walks towards the sideline before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Patriots rumors: Stefon Diggs being cut ‘on the table’ amid viral videoMike Gianakos ·
Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) warms up prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Stefon Diggs’ future hinges on truth over boat party says Albert BreerJake Faigus ·
New England Patriots guard Cole Strange (69) defends against Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Neil Farrell Jr. (93) at Allegiant Stadium.
Patriots rumors: Controversial 1st-Round pick on chopping block to be cutConor Roche ·
New England Patriots center David Andrews (60) watches from the sideline during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium.
2-time Super Bowl champion retires after 10 seasons with PatriotsConor Roche ·

Flowers is an integral part of the Patriots’ defense. The 25-year-old Flowers has paced New England ins sacks over the last two years. He topped the team in that area in 2016 with 7.0 then again in 2017 with 6.5 quarterback takedowns.

With Trey Flowers setting the tone in pass rushing, the Patriots managed to finish last season tied for seventh with 42.0 sacks and third in passing defense with only 251.2 passing yards allowed per game.

Flowers has all the motivation to do even better this 2018, as he’s bound to hit the free agent market next year.