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DETROIT – The New England Patriots will be without two starters for Sunday night's game against the Detroit Lions.
Both players were eliminated from Sunday's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and had not practiced all week, so their absence was expected.
Meanwhile, the club has also downgraded the cornerback Eric Rowe has an injury to his groin. Rowe had started each of the past two weeks, but was sidelined after two rounds last weekend while veteran Jason McCourty replaced him.
McCourty is a prime candidate against Lions. Rookies J.C. Jackson and Keion Crossen could also be active for their first regular season games this season.
The Patriots have already ruled out tight winger Jacob Hollister (chest), so the club will need only three more players for the game.
An intriguing scenario centers on the newly acquired receiver Josh Gordon, who remains officially uncertain because of his hamstrings. This gives him 50-50 chances to play.
Regarding how the Patriots could replace Chung and Flowers, the six-year veteran, Duron Harmon, is a premeditated starter in place of Chung, while Deatrich Wise Jr. is the best candidate. It could also mean that the 2017 third-round pick, Derek Rivers, a Youngstown State defensive player, makes his regular-season debut after missing his rookie season with a torn ACL. Chung was also the team's best kick return last weekend, a role that should fall under defensive third-year arm Cyrus Jones.
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