FOXBORO — The Patriots’ secondary could be shorthanded in their <a href="https://www.bostonherald.com/2024/12/16/this-weekends-patriots-bills-week-16-game-flexed-to-later-time/">first matchup of the season</a> against the Bills.

Patriots safety Kyle Dugger and cornerback Marcus Jones both <a href="https://www.bostonherald.com/2024/12/18/patriots-get-good-and-bad-news-at-practice-wednesday-before-bills-game/">missed practice</a> Wednesday.

Here’s the Patriots’ first injury report of Week 16:

S Kyle Dugger (ankle/illness) 
RB JaMycal Hasty (ankle) 
CB Marcus Jones (hip)

WR Javon Baker (concussion) 
DT Christian Barmore (not injury related – other) 
CB Christian Gonzalez (shoulder) 
LB Anfernee Jennings (knee) 
T Vederian Lowe (shoulder) 
OL Cole Strange (knee) 
LB Jahlani Tavai (groin) 
OT Caedan Wallace (ankle) 
DE Deatrich Wise Jr. (foot)

If Jones can’t play Sunday against the Bills, it could increase the roles of cornerbacks Jonathan Jones, Alex Austin and Isaiah Bolden. The team would also need a new punt returner. DeMario Douglas and new practice-squad signing Alex Erickson would be candidates for that role.

It appears the Patriots’ secondary could be shorthanded Sunday against the Bills.{ai:summary}The New England Patriots may face a depleted secondary in their upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills, with safety Kyle Dugger and cornerback Marcus Jones missing practice due to injuries. This could lead to increased responsibilities for other cornerbacks and the need for a new punt returner.The team's injury report for Week 16 lists several players who did not participate or had limited participation in practice, indicating potential challenges ahead. #sports

Patriots missing two key defenders in first practice before Bills matchup

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