The Patriots ruled four key players out ahead of Thursday night’s game against the Jets.
Tight end Austin Hooper (concussion), wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (hamstring), linebacker Christian Elliss (hip) and running back Rhamondre Stevenson are out and will not play on Thursday night.
Defensive tackle Joshua Farmer (ankle) and running back Terrell Jennings (knee) are questionable to play against the Jets.
Those designations make the Patriots shallow at tight end and running back, where they might need to call up reserves from the practice squad.
Hooper’s injury leaves the team with only Hunter Henry at fullback on the 53-man roster, though fullback Jack Westover has experience at tight end, as well. Thomas Okukoya or CJ Dippre could be brought off the practice squad to fill in for Hooper.
TreVeyon Henderson is the only fully healthy running back on the roster, though the Patriots have three options on the practice squad in D’Ernest Johnson, Jonathan Ward and Rushawn Baker.
Johnson has been elevated in two straight games and will likely be added to the active roster for a third.
With Elliss out, the Patriots also could bring Darius Harris off the practice squad for his third and final elevation.
Practice squad elevations will be announced Thursday afternoon. Final inactives will be made official Thursday night at 6:45 p.m. ET.