The New England Patriots need to be gaining bodies at this point in the season but are continuously going in the wrong direction as more and more players are catching the proverbial bug.
Patriots running back James White has now officially been ruled out for todays game against the Buffalo Bills as well as wide receiver Chris Hogan.
NFL insider Adam Schefter tweeted the news earlier today.
Patriots’ RB James White (ankle) and WR Chris Hogan (shoulder), both listed as questionable, are not expected to play Sunday against the Bills, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 24, 2017
Not only are the Patriots going to be without two of their top weapons in this important game, but could also be without another starter on offense. Offensive lineman Nate Solder is the most recent add to the injury report with an illness.
Reporter Doug Kyed tweeted the news in the waning hours of Saturday.
Patriots LT Nate Solder is a late addition to the injury report with an illness. He's questionable to play tomorrow.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) December 24, 2017
If Nate Solder is not able to play, the Patriots offensive line will be thrown in to a state of flux as to who will protect quarterback Tom Brady’s blindside. One would assume that the team would move LaAdrian Waddle or Cameron Fleming to that side with the swing tackle role being put in the hands of lineman Cole Croston.
Croston (23), is an undrafted free agent out of Iowa who was inactive for the first nine games of the season before making his debut in Week No.11 against the Oakland Raiders at left guard.
The Bill’s defensive linemen Kyle Williams and Jerry Hughes could see the benefits of these mismatches however Williams is dealing with his own groin injury that leaves him a game-time decision as well.
The Patriots and Bills will meet today at 1:00 p.m. in a crucial matchup for both team’s playoff positions.
