FOXBORO — The Patriots are banged up at three key positions in a short week before Thursday night’s game against the Jets.
Running backs Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) and Terrell Jennings (knee) and linebackers Christian Elliss (hip) and Jack Gibbens (hamstring) were working off to the side at the start of Tuesday’s practice. Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) was also off the side and appeared limited.
Tight end Austin Hooper (concussion) and defensive tackle Joshua Farmer (ankle) were absent.
Stevenson, Elliss and Boutte all missed Sunday’s win over the Buccaneers with injuries. Jennings suffered his injury midgame and didn’t finish. Gibbens led the team in tackles in the 28-23 win.
If Stevenson and Jennings can’t play Thursday, expect rookie TreVeyon Henderson to carry the load for the second straight week. Veteran D’Ernest Johnson could be elevated off the practice squad for the third straight game. The team also has Jonathan Ward and Rushawn Baker on their practice squad.
The Patriots have Jahlani Tavai and Marte Mapu available to play next to Robert Spillane at linebacker. They also elevated Darius Harris off of the practice squad last week for depth.
If Boutte can’t play, that means more snaps for Mack Hollins, Stefon Diggs, Kyle Williams and potentially DeMario Douglas and Efton Chism. Hollins and Williams had big games in Boutte’s absence last week.
The Patriots are shallow at tight end behind starter Hunter Henry. Fullback Jack Westover can switch back over to tight end. The team also has two tight ends on their practice squad in Thomas Odukoya and C.J. Dippre. Dippre could be elevated off of the practice squad. Odukoya has a practice squad exemption, since he’s an international pathway program player, so he would have to be signed to the 53-man roster in order to play.
Farmer has been active for every game as a reserve behind Milton Williams, Christian Barmore and Khyris Tonga. If Farmer can’t play, then Cory Durden could continue to take on a bigger role. Rookie Eric Gregory is also on the 53-man roster. He has yet to be active for a game, so that could change Thursday.