Patriots downgrade two more for Sunday -- what does that mean for the rest of the roster?

The Patriots announced Saturday night that defensive end Trey Flowers (rib) and linebacker Trevor Reilly (concussion) were downgraded to out for Sunday’s game against the Bills in Buffalo.


Both suffered their injuries last Sunday against the Dolphins.

BSJ analysis

Flowers’ absence means that the Patriots will lean on a variety of defensive line options against the Bills. Look for an uptick in snaps for Deatrich Wise and Adam Butler. Kyle Van Noy, who has been an ironman this year (he’s played 94 percent of the defensive snaps), will be asked to handle more now that Reilly is on the shelf.

The duo joins offensive tackle Marcus Cannon (ankle) and wide receiver Chris Hogan (shoulder) as inactives for Sunday’s game. If LaAdrian Waddle (ankle) is OK to play, he’ll take the bulk of the reps in Cannon’s spot. Meanwhile — as has been the case since he went down in an October win over the Chargers — it’ll be a collective who will be asked to pick up the slack in the wake of Hogan’s injury.

All teams must announce their seven inactive players 90 minutes before the game. In the context of this conversation, it’s important to note that cornerback Eric Rowe — who has been on the shelf since early October with a groin injury — made the trip to Buffalo.