Later today, the New England Patriots will host the Buffalo Bills for the two teams' second meeting of the season. The Patriots need a win in order to stay ahead in the race for the AFC's top playoff seed but it looks as if they will have to do so without some of their core players on offense.
First, the team added starting left tackle Nate Solder to the injury report due to an illness:
OT Nate Solder has been added to the injury report with an illness. His game status is questionable.
With New England historically treating illnesses seriously to limit the chance of them spreading, it would not be a surprise to see Solder be declared “out” later today. In turn and with right tackle LaAdrian Waddle also questionable because of an ankle injury, the Patriots might to rookie Cole Croston and Cameron Fleming as its starting tackle due today.
Furthermore, the Patriots will likely be without two of its offensive skill position players (per Adam Schefter):
Patriots’ RB James White (ankle) and WR Chris Hogan (shoulder), both listed as questionable, are not expected to play Sunday against the Bills, per sources.
While the team is probably used to playing without Hogan, who appeared in only one of the Patriots' last seven games, losing White will be a blow. After all, New England will be without fellow running back Rex Burkhead as well. Expect Mike Gillislee to see a heavy workload on early downs, with Dion Lewis seing more time as the receiving back.