The New England Patriots will be missing two starters in Sunday’s Week 18 season finale against the Buffalo Bills.
After returning to practice during the week, Patriots tight end Jonnu Smith (concussion) and cornerback Jalen Mills (groin) will both be out for the game.
The team will also be missing cornerback Shaun Wade, defensive tackle Sam Roberts, safety Joshuah Bledsoe, running back Kevin Harris and burgeoning rookie special-teamer Brenden Schooler.
New England is on the road in what feels like a must-win game against the Bills. A win would punch their ticket to the playoffs, while a loss would mean they’d need help to get in. A Pittsburgh Steelers loss against the Cleveland Browns and a Miami Dolphins loss to the New York Jets would pave the road for them to get in.
The Patriots will be a bit thin at corner, but rookie Marcus Jones returning should give them an added boost. Meanwhile, on the offensive side of the ball, the team elevated tight end Matt Sokol to work in behind starter Hunter Henry.
