Patriots missing two key defenders in first practice before Bills matchup

FOXBORO — The Patriots’ secondary could be shorthanded in their first matchup of the season against the Bills.

Patriots safety Kyle Dugger and cornerback Marcus Jones both missed practice Wednesday.

Here’s the Patriots’ first injury report of Week 16:

DID NOT PARTICIPATE

S Kyle Dugger (ankle/illness)
RB JaMycal Hasty (ankle)
CB Marcus Jones (hip)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION

WR Javon Baker (concussion)
DT Christian Barmore (not injury related – other)
CB Christian Gonzalez (shoulder)
LB Anfernee Jennings (knee)
T Vederian Lowe (shoulder)
OL Cole Strange (knee)
LB Jahlani Tavai (groin)
OT Caedan Wallace (ankle)
DE Deatrich Wise Jr. (foot)

If Jones can’t play Sunday against the Bills, it could increase the roles of cornerbacks Jonathan Jones, Alex Austin and Isaiah Bolden. The team would also need a new punt returner. DeMario Douglas and new practice-squad signing Alex Erickson would be candidates for that role.