FOXBORO -- The Patriots will be without special-teams captain Matthew Slater (hamstring), fellow special-teamer Nate Ebner (shoulder) and offensive lineman Cameron Fleming (ankle) when they face the Chiefs tonight.
Bill Belichick's special-teams units take a significant hit with both Slater and Ebner out. Rookie linebacker Harvey Langi (concussion) would have been a kicking-game contributor as well, but he's also out of the mix. New special-teamers Cassius Marsh, Johnson Bademosi and Marquis Flowers should factor into Patriots coverage units against the Chiefs, as will Brandon Bolden, who was cut last weekend and recently re-signed. With Tyreek Hill and De'Anthony Thomas returning kicks -- two of the best in the league in that regard -- special teams coordinator Joe Judge's units will have a lot on their plates.
Flowers, Bademosi and Marsh aren't the only two newcomers to be in uniform. Receiver Phillip Dorsett, who came to New England in a trade for Jacoby Brissett, will be in uniform and immediately slots in as the team's No. 4 wideout with Malcolm Mitchell (knee) moved to IR.
Here are the complete inactive lists:
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
WR Matthew Slater
DB Nate Ebner
TE Jacob Hollister
LB Harvey Langi
OL Cameron Fleming
OL Cole Croston
OL Vincent Valentine
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
QB Tyler Bray
CB D.J. White
LB Reggie Ragland
OL Parker Ehinger
DL Jarvis Jenkins