The Patriots will be without their starting right tackle on Sunday as Marcus Cannon has been ruled out with a calf injury. In Cannon's absence, the Patriots could use Cameron Fleming to start on the right side. Fleming took over at left tackle for Nate Solder in Week 1 when Solder missed the season-opener with a hamstring injury.
Cannon has been limited in practice since before New England's Week 4 loss to the Bills with a calf injury. He practiced on Wednesday and Friday but did not participate on Thursday when the team practiced in full padds. Cannon was clearly bothered by the injury late in the fourth quarter against the Bills but he did not miss a snap.
Other Patriots that have been ruled inactive are linebacker Shea McClellin (did not practice this week due to a concussion), running back Brandon Bolden (knee injury) and defensive tackle Vincent Valentine (back).
With Bolden ruled out, undrafted rookie running back DJ Foster has been activated to provide depth at that position. Valentine's absence presses another undrafted rookie, Woodrow Hamilton, into service. The 6-foot-3, 315-pounder was promoted from the practice squad at the end of the week to provide the team with some depth on the interior of the defensive line.
Healthy scratches for the Patriots on Sunday include tight end Greg Scruggs, corner Justin Coleman and corner Eric Rowe.
Scruggs was signed last weekend and could use more time before he's comfortable enough to contribute to the Patriots offense. Rowe recently came off the injury report but is also a relatively new acquisition and may need more seasoning before he suits up.
Coleman played 30 snaps last week against the Bills. In his absence, the Patriots will likely lean on rookie second-round pick Cyrus Jones to fill their No. 3 corner role.