FOXBORO — The Patriots defense was down four players at Wednesday’s practice, the team’s first of the week ahead of Sunday’s home game agaisnt the Rams.

Defensive lineman Deatrich Wise, linebacker Sione Takitaki and defensive backs Isaiah Bolden and Marcellas Dial were absent. Wise suffered a lower-body injury at the end of last Sunday’s win in Chicago, where he nabbed two sacks. Takitaki suffered a hamstring injury versus the Bears, his fourth game appearance since being activated off the Physically Unable to Perform list last month.

Bolden, a second-year corner, and Dial, a rookie, have played sparingly on defense this season. Bolden played a season-high 12 defensive snaps in Chicago. Dial is a regular on special teams.

The Patriots were also missing practice-squad offensive tackle Caleb Jones.

The Pats will release their first injury report Wednesday evening. Sunday’s kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

Fresh off its best performance of the season, the Patriots defense was down a handful of players at practice Wednesday.{ai:summary}<p>The New England Patriots' defense was missing four players during Wednesday's practice ahead of their game against the Rams. Defensive lineman Deatrich Wise, linebacker Sione Takitaki, and defensive backs Isaiah Bolden and Marcellas Dial were absent due to injuries.</p><p>Wise and Takitaki are dealing with lower-body and hamstring injuries, respectively, while Bolden and Dial have seen limited action this season. The team will provide an injury report later in the day, with the game scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. #sports</p>

Patriots defense takes a hit at Wednesday practice before Rams game

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