Two prospective starters didn’t make the trip to Denver with the rest of the Patriots and have been ruled out for their Christmas Eve matchup with the Broncos.
The Patriots ruled out offensive tackle Conor McDermott (concussion) and tight end Hunter Henry (knee) on Saturday afternoon. McDermott, who has started in place of left tackle Trent Brown in five of the six games he’s played this season, missed the week of practice in concussion protocol. Henry did not participate Wednesday or Thursday and was limited Friday in practice.
If McDermott and Brown, who remains questionable with ankle and hand injuries, cannot play Sunday night, then Vederian Lowe would be the top option to start. The Patriots also could activate Tyrone Wheatley Jr. off of injured reserve to start.
Pharaoh Brown and Mike Gesicki will take on greater roles with Henry out. The Patriots also could elevate Matt Sokol from the practice squad.
Running back Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle), wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and safety Jabrill Peppers (hamstring) were already ruled out on Friday.
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