Patriots Rule Out Three for their Week 16 Matchup Against the Broncos

When the Patriots play the Denver Broncos on Christmas Eve, they will be lacking both offensive and defensive linemen.

Running back Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle), safety Jabrill Peppers (hamstring), and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (ankle) were declared out of New England’s Week 16 matchup at Empower Field on Friday.

This week, Peppers and Stevenson skipped all three practices. Smith-Schuster was limited in the first two sessions and missed the one on Friday.

Without Stevenson, who has missed the previous two games as well, Ezekiel Elliott will lead the Patriots’ rushing attack. JaMycal Hasty and Kevin Harris, who was released from the practice squad this week, complete New England’s backfield.

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Given that Peppers has been the Patriots’ greatest player overall this season, their secondary will suffer a great deal from his injury. Throughout the first 15 weeks, he participated in 95.3% of defensive snaps and is a prominent figurehead for New England’s defense.

In Peppers’ absence, Adrian Phillips, Jalen Mills, and third-round rookie Marte Mapu may see bigger responsibilities. Although neither Mapu nor Phillips have played in more than 20% of the defensive snaps this season, head coach Bill Belichick commended them both on Friday.

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Demario Douglas and DeVante Parker will lead the Patriots’ receiving group, with Tyquan Thornton, Jalen Reagor, and Kayshon Boutte providing depth. Smith-Schuster will miss his second consecutive game. After a much-anticipated breakthrough performance in Week 14 against Pittsburgh—four receptions for 90 yards—Smith-Schuster hasn’t played since.

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