Left guard Sidy Sow is expected to return this week after missing the Patriots’ first three games with an ankle injury. Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots’ locker room opened for the local media at noon Monday.

Once inside, it was interesting to see which players looked like they were getting ready to work out. On the far side, where defensive players are, linebacker Sione Takitaki was putting on working shoes and about to drink a protein shake. Across from him, defensive tackle Christian Barmore was telling a fellow defensive teammate he came to Gillette Stadium to work out that afternoon.

Before you knew it, safety/linebacker Marte Mapu walked through the room multiple times. On offense, left guard Sidy Sow was getting ready to return to practice for the first time since suffering an ankle injury in the preseason finale. Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne also made an appearance, talking to several teammates.

The Patriots are coming off two straight tough losses and have a matchup ahead with the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers. Despite being hit with several injuries on both sides of the ball, New England could receive an influx of talent in the next couple of weeks.

This weekend, Sow is expected to return as the starting left guard. By next week, the Patriots have several players eligible to return from the physically unable-to-perform and the injured reserve lists. Most notable are Bourne, Takitaki, and Mapu.

The first player to return is Sow, the second-year player who was locked into the starting left guard position all offseason. That only changed when he went down in Washington, which led the team to start Michael Jordan at left guard over the last three games.

In a Week 3 loss to the Jets, Jordan suffered a knee injury. But on Monday, Sow returned to practice at a time the offensive line could use the help.

“Sidy’s grown a lot as a player over the last year,” center David Andrews said. “It was kind of unfortunate (the injury happened) in Washington. Hopefully he gets out there a little bit, get that going. I think he’s a big guy who can provide us depth, provide us with a little bit of experience in certain areas. (Excited) to see how it goes.”

Over three weeks, the Patriots have struggled to pass protect. That’s also led to issues in the passing game. The Patriots enter this week ranked last in the NFL in passing yards per game (102) and 30th in sacks per pass attempt (14.29%).

They have issues at left tackle: Chukwuma Okorafor left the team and Vederian Lowe is still working through a knee injury. Getting a veteran returning, like Sow at left guard, would help.

Patriots receiver Kendrick Bourne started the season on the PUP list and is eligible to return in Week 5. Michael Dwyer/Associated Press

It would also be a boost for the passing game if Bourne returns. After starting the season on the PUP list, Bourne is eligible to practice and play in Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins. On Monday, Coach Jerod Mayo said he was encouraged by Bourne, who suffered a season-ending knee injury last year.

“He’s making great progress,” Mayo said. “He’s running fast, looks good in his routes. When he’s ready to be out there, he’ll be out there.”

Last fall, Bourne was in the midst of a breakout season before suffering a torn ACL. In eight games he caught 37 passes for 406 yards and four touchdowns. When he was on the field, Bourne was the Patriots’ best receiver.

If he comes back healthy, he’ll boost a group that needs help. Through three games, DeMario Douglas leads Patriots receivers with nine catches for 81 yards. Ja’Lynn Polk is second with five catches for 31 yards and the group’s only touchdown.

Douglas said Bourne will instantly create energy when he returns.

“Energy. Positivity. He’s definitely a dog. I can’t wait to see him back on that field. It’s going to bring some more energy to the field,” Douglas said. “It’s going to be back to how we were last year. Hopefully he comes back like he was. I believe in him. I feel like he’ll come back and do what he’s supposed to do.”

On defense the Patriots need help at linebacker after Ja’Whaun Bentley suffered a torn pectoral muscle against the Seattle Seahawks. Last week, Jahlani Tavai and Raekwon Millan started, but the defense struggled with missed tackles.

Linebacker Sione Takitaki, signed by the Patriots in the offseason, could return from the PUP list in Week 5 and give New England’s ailing linebacker group a boost. Terrance Williams/Associated Press

That’s where someone like Takitaki would help. Signed this offseason, the veteran linebacker started on the PUP list after having a knee scope this offseason, according to ESPN. Takitaki started seven games last season for the Cleveland Browns, and finished with 65 tackles and two sacks.

According to Pro Football Focus, Tavai and McMillan have eight missed tackles combined this season. Takitaki had eight missed tackles in 16 games last season.

“Sione’s a great player. He’s got a lot of energy. I’m sure he’s antsy to get back,” Tavai said. “I’m super excited for him to come back. He’ll create a lot of different looks for us. For the most part, we’re just excited for him to come back when he does.”

Mapu and Cole Strange are also eligible to return next week. It’s unknown how close those players are to being back, but both would add depth to positions of need. Mapu played a reserve role for the Patriots last season while Strange was an instant starter at left guard before suffering a serious knee injury.

Barmore’s timeline is unknown after he was diagnosed with blood clots, but the fact he’s around the team and working out seems to be a positive sign.

“There are certain benchmarks or levels that he has to hit to even be considered to come back,” Mayo said last week. “The first thing is between the doctors here and outside this building helping us with this situation. We’ll see how it goes. I’m excited. He’s in the building every day.”

After a 1-2 start, the Patriots could use some help. It appears that will happen over the next few weeks.