FOXBORO -- The Patriots could be without three key players, one for each phase of the game, when they take on the Saints this weekend.
Danny Amendola (concussion/knee), Dont'a Hightower (knee) and Matthew Slater (hamstring) were all missing from Thursday's practice and were listed as non-participants. The lone change from Wednesday's practice report was that defensive tackle Vincent Valentine (knee) returned to practice as a limited participant.
For the trio of Amendola, Hightower and Slater, their absence Thursday signals an increased likelihood that they will be unable to play in Week 2. If that's the case, the Patriots will probably have to cope with a many-hands-makes-light-work approach.
In the slot offensively, the Patriots may be forced to turn to someone like Chris Hogan, using Brandin Cooks and Phillip Dorsett on the outside. And while Rex Burkhead said on Thursday that he isn't a slot receiver, the Patriots could also utilize their pass-catching backs to help lighten the load for their shrinking receiver group. There's also the possibility the Patriots call up a receiver from the practice squad -- either Cody Hollister or return specialist Demarcus Ayers -- to provide an added level of depth.
If Hightower misses time, the Patriots could use another body either on the edge or at the second level of their defense. Kyle Van Noy should continue to have a significant role, but David Harris and Elandon Roberts -- both of whom saw extremely limited action in Week 1 -- could see a bump in their playing time. Cassius Marsh was Hightower's replacement on the edge against the Chiefs so he should receive plenty of playing time once again. Harvey Langi, another candidate for edge work, was inactive for the season-opener.
As for Slater's potential absence, the Patriots will likely rely on Jonathan Jones and Johnson Bademosi as their gunners on the punt team. Bademosi's addition before the start of the season helps take some of the strain off of the Patriots, but Slater's dependability in the kicking game would be missed, as it was in Week 1, if he can't go.
Thursday's practice participation/injury report for Sunday's Patriots-Saints game:
New England Patriots
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
DID NOT PARTICIPATE
WR Danny Amendola (concussion/knee)
LB Dont'a Hightower (knee)
WR Matthew Slater (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION
DL Adam Butler (knee)
OT Marcus Cannon (shoulder)
DB Nate Ebner (shoulder)
OT Cameron Fleming (ankle)
S Devin McCourty (groin)
DT Vincent Valentine (knee)
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
DID NOT PARTICIPATE
T Terron Armstead (shoulder)
T Zack Strief (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION
LB Stephone Anthony (ankle)
DE Trey Hendrickson (illness)
LB Nate Stupar (hamstring)