Julian Edelman will miss his second consecutive game Sunday when the Patriots host the Broncos at Gillette Stadium.
Edelman (hand) and safety Steve Gregory (hip) were listed as "out" on the Patriots injury report Friday.
Gregory's absence means a larger role for rookie Tavon Wilson who's been challenging for more playing time. In each of the past two weeks, both Gregory and Patrick Chung were at less than their best in pass defense. With a quarterback as experienced as Peyton Manning on the other side, Wilson could be a target on Sunday.
The Patriots also listed 12 players as questionable for Sunday. Among them is tight end Aaron Hernandez who hurt his ankle at the start of the Week 2 game against the Cardinals. Sources say Hernandez is unlikely to play even though he participated in practice on a limited basis on Thursday and Friday.
Others listed questionable include TE Rob Gronkowski (hip), LB Dont'a Hightower (hamstring), G Logan Mankins (calfhip), CB Sterling Moore (knee), RB Shane Vereen (hip) and RT Sebastian Vollmer (back).
Running back Brandon Bolden (knee), DE Brandon Deaderick, DT Justin Francis (ankle), TE Michael Hoomanawanui (concussion) and OL Nick McDonald (shoulder) were also questionable.
DT Kyle Love is probable for Sunday.