Patriots could be forced to lean on depth in some key areas Sunday

FOXBOROUGH — Defensive tackle Malcom Brown (ankle), offensive tackle Marcus Cannon (ankle) and wide receiver Chris Hogan (shoulder) all took DNPs for the Patriots on Thursday, which could force New England to rely on some depth for Sunday’s game against the Broncos in Denver.



If Cannon is unable to go, look for New England to rely on swing tackle La Adrian Waddle, who looked good the last time out against the Chargers. Meanwhile, no Hogan could represent an opportunity for Phillip Dorsett to see more time as a deep threat in the passing game. (For what it’s worth, Hogan was spotted in the locker room on Wednesday with his arm in a sling.)

And Brown’s potential absence will put more on fellow defensive tackle Alan Branch. It could also mean youngsters Deatrich Wise, Adam Butler and Trey Flowers spend more time on the interior against a wounded Denver offensive line.

In addition to Brown, Cannon and Hogan, the following players were listed as limited on Wednesday: wide receiver Danny Amendola (knee), cornerback Stephon Gilmore (concussion/ankle), defensive end Cassius Marsh (shoulder) and cornerback Eric Rowe (groin).