The Patriots will try to build on their victory over the Bills against the Raiders without four cornerbacks, including starters Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis.
Mike Vrabel announced Friday that four additional players are already ruled out, including depth cornerbacks Karon Prunty and Channing Canada, fullback Reggie Gilliam, and receiver Mack Hollins.
"Put the next guy in there; elevate whoever's available ... all we got on the roster," Vrabel said.
The Patriots also have seven players questionable, including starters DT Christian Barmore (shoulder), LB Christian Elliss (chest), DE Dre'Mont Jones (shoulder), OT Morgan Moses (foot), RB Rhamondre Stevenson (knee) and S Craig Woodson (shoulder).
Stevenson told reporters today that he's "ready to go."
Charles Woods, who struggled in place of Gonzalez against the Bills and is listed as questionable (shoulder), and Kindle Vildor would be next up.
"Getting better, competitive," Vrabel said of Woods. "I think that the Steeler game, you know, jumped in there and played hard and challenged and competed, and you know, he's taking advantage of his opportunities since he's been here."
Vildor, elevated from the practice squad, subbed in for an injured Woods against the Bills and nearly came up with an interception against Keon Coleman, but the receiver made a ridiculous play.
"He'll have a great opportunity," Vrabel said. "He's a veteran who's played a lot of football, and I don't think the moment's too big for him. He just jumped in there last week and was ready to go. You know, unfortunately, Coleman made a great play on what was a very good defensive play. It was an even better offensive play."
Former Rams 2026 undrafted free agent cornerback Al'zillion Hamilton was signed to the practice squad on Tuesday.
Probably the biggest impact of the injury situation at cornerback against the Raiders is that Gonzalez and/or Davis would be good matchups against TE Brock Bowers, if they wanted to play some man. If the Patriots do it, they will likely do it with one of the safeties, likely Craig Woodson.
Brenden Schooler (back) is expected to be activated from NFI.