If the New England Patriots are to pull off a monumental upset of the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, they’ll have to do so without one of their top playmakers available.
The Patriots on Friday ruled out cornerback Marcus Jones for the contest. A steady defender, Jones also got a chance to show his skill set on the other side of the ball in recent weeks. He took a pass 18 yards in his only offensive snap against the Cardinals and the Bills surely remember Jones’ 48-yard touchdown reception against them two seasons ago.
The only other player the Patriots ruled out for the Week 16 matchup was third-string running back JaMycal Hasty.
New England did have a couple of new players pop up on Friday’s injury report. Both Jabrill Peppers and Keion White are questionable to face the Bills due to hamstring and groin injuries, respectively. Both were limited participants at Friday’s practice.
Here is the Patriots full injury report:
OUT
RB JaMycal Hasty, Ankle
CB Marcus Jones, Hip
QUESTIONABLE
S Kyle Dugger, Ankle/Illness
S Jabrill Peppers, Hamstring
OL Cole Strange, Knee
OT Caedan Wallace, Ankle
DE Keion White, Groin
The Bills didn’t list any player as out for the game, but do have seven players questionable. Three of those players come in the linebacking corps with Matt Milano (biceps/groin), Baylon Spector (calf) and Dorian Williams (elbow) all dealing with injuries. Starting safeties Taylor Rapp (neck) and Damar Hamlin (rib) are also not guaranteed to play.
The Patriots and Bills kickoff from Highmark Stadium on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.
