Patriots downgrade two key offensive players as out vs Broncos

The Patriots offense has been dealt two more blows ahead of Sunday’s Christmas Eve game against the Broncos.

The New England Patriots announced on Saturday that tight end Hunter Henry and offensive tackle Conor McDermott have both been downgraded as out for Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos.

Those are two tough blows to a Patriots offense that is already struggling.

Henry has turned into quarterback Bailey Zappe’s most reliable receiving target, while McDermott stepped in periodically to spell Trent Brown, who has been playing through multiple injuries.

Tight ends Mike Gesicki and Pharaoh Brown will see an uptick in work with Henry out against the Broncos. Meanwhile, the team will have to lean more on Vederian Lowe and Tyrone Wheatley Jr. to help solidify the offensive tackle position.

The ability to play musical chairs on the fly has been a common theme for this oft-injured Patriots team. They’ll need to do it again successfully, if they have any hopes of pulling off a major upset at Mile High.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]