Broncos downgrade Melvin Gordon, Noah Fant to out ahead of Patriots matchup

The Denver Broncos will face the New England Patriots without two starters on the offensive side of the ball.

Denver downgraded running back Melvin Gordon and tight end Noah Fant to out prior to Saturday’s flight. Both were previously listed as questionable for Sunday at Gillette Stadium.

Gordon, who was charged with driving under the influence earlier in the week, was sent home from the Broncos’ final practice due to an illness. According to Mike Klis of 9News, Gordon has been diagnosed with strep throat. The two-time Pro Bowler stands with 326 yards and four touchdowns from scrimmage on the season.

Fant had been a limited participant for the Broncos due to an ankle injury that saw him ruled out for the postponed Week 5 meeting. The Iowa product has caught 19 passes for 219 yards and a pair of touchdowns thus far into his sophomore NFL campaign.

Wide receiver K.J. Hamler (hamstring) and outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu (quad) will also be inactive for the Broncos. Quarterback Drew Lock (shoulder) and defensive tackle Mike Purcell (knee) remain designated as questionable.

Denver announced in a statement that running backs coach Curtis Modkins will not accompany the team to New England after testing positive for Covid-19.

Kickoff in Foxborough is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.