After enjoying a weekend off, the New England Patriots returned to practice yesterday, missing some core players on both sides of the ball. Today, the defending world champions held their first "reported" practice of the week and three key members of the team have been absent as a look at the first injury report of the week shows:
Did not participate
DT Malcom Brown (ankle)
OT Marcus Cannon (ankle)
WR Chris Hogan (shoulder)
While Brown has been out prior to the bye week as well, Cannon and Hogan are relatively new additions. Both suffered injuries against the Los Angeles Chargers and could to be on their way to inactivity for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. Considering the talent of Denver's defense, losing one or two would definitely be a blow.
Limited participation
WR Danny Amendola (knee)
CB Stephon Gilmore (concussion/ankle)
DE Cassius Marsh (shoulder)
CB Eric Rowe (groin)
While limited, Gilmore and Rowe are well on their way towards returning to the field after missing multiple games due to their respective injuries. Amendola and Marsh, in the meantime, are likely simply handled safely by the staff as to not risk any re-injury of the issues the two are dealing with.