FOXBORO -- When the Patriots beat up on the Bills at Gillette Stadium at the end of the regular season, they got a career day out of Marquis Flowers. Deployed to combat the athleticism of Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor, often on the second level as a spy, Flowers racked up 2.5 sacks and was one of the most productive players on the field.
On Wednesday, as the Patriots practiced to prepare for another athletic quarterback in the Divisional Round, Flowers was out sick. He and Mike Gillislee (knee) were the only two Patriots on the 53-man roster who did not participate in the session.
The Patriots are caught in an interesting predicament defensively when it comes to their plan for the Titans. They could use their speed, as they did against the Bills, to corral Marcus Mariota. They could also lean heavily on their base personnel -- perhaps with David Harris and Elandon Roberts on the field -- in order defend against the power running of Titans back Derrick Henry. They could mix and match with both depending on the situation.
Flowers may not be relied upon as much in either scenario if Kyle Van Noy is healthy and ready for a full workload as he deals with a calf injury. But Flowers' status in Thursday's practice -- the final workout for the Patriots before Saturday's game -- bears watching as he's a versatile piece who provides depth defensively and on special teams.
Here's Wednesday's full practice participation/injury report for Saturday's Patriots-Titans game:
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
DID NOT PARTICIPATE
LB Marquis Flowers (illness)
RB Mike Gillislee (knee)
New England Patriots
LIMITED PARTICIPATION
DL Alan Branch (knee)
RB Rex Burkhead (knee)
WR Chris Hogan (shoulder)
DL Eric Lee (ankle)
LB Kyle Van Noy (calf)
RB James White (ankle)
TENNESSEE TITANS
DID NOT PARTICIPATE
RB DeMarco Murray (knee)
LB Brian Orakpo (not injury related)
G Quinton Spain
LIMITED PARTICIPATION
CB Logan Ryan (ankle)