FOXBOROUGH - The Patriots will be traveling a little light to Tampa Bay for Sunday’s game with the Buccaneers.
On Friday, Mike Vrabel ruled running back Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) and linebacker Christian Elliss (hip) out against Tampa Bay.
This marks the second straight week the Patriots will be without Stevenson.
That’s tough news especially against a blitz-heavy team like Tampa Bay.
TreVeyon Henderson and Terrell Jennings performed adequately enough last week in that capacity, but they’ll be tested once again on Sunday.
As for Boutte, who suffered the hamstring injury during last week’s win over the Atlanta Falcons, he is Drake Maye’s favorite downfield target. He leads the team with five touchdown catches.
Rookie Kyle Williams figures to get more snaps to help make up for Boutte’s loss. Veteran Mack Hollins might also see more time on the outside.
Linebacker Elliss, meanwhile, was also injured during the Falcons game.
Elliss had played in each of New England’s first nine games this season, recording 53 tackles (second on the team), two quarterback hits and one of the Patriots’ five forced fumbles.
Jahlani Tavai and Jack Gibbons are likely to pick up some of the slack in Elliss’ absence playing alongside Robert Spillane.
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