Another missed practice for Rex Burkhead could open door for Mike Gillislee

FOXBOROUGH — It appears that defensive lineman Alan Branch and running back Rex Burkhead will miss Sunday’s game against the Bills, as both took a DNP for the second consecutive day on Thursday.

The pair, who both sustained what the team is calling knee injuries, almost certainly won’t play Sunday — it’s rare for a player to miss Thursday’s practice and then play that weekend. That would mean more playing time for the likes of defensive lineman Ricky Jean Francois. In addition, it could also clear a path for running back Mike Gillislee to return to the lineup. Gillislee has taken multiple healthy scratches over the last month, as he’s been the odd man out in the running back rotation.

Here’s the complete injury report:

Did Not Participate
DL Alan Branch (knee)
RB Rex Burkhead (knee)

Limited Participation
RB Brandon Bolden (groin)
WR Chris Hogan (shoulder)
DB Brandon King (hamstring)
DL Eric Lee (ankle)
WR Matthew Slater (hamstring)
LB Kyle Van Noy (calf)
OT LaAdrian Waddle (ankle)
RB James White (ankle)