Copyright Boston.com
FOXBOROUGH — The New England Patriots are bracing for one of their toughest tests of the season on Sunday when they travel down to Tampa to take on Baker Mayfield and the 6-2 Bucs. Drake Maye and Co. will need all of the help they can get as New England tries to extend its winning streak to seven games. But an already banged-up Patriots roster didn’t exactly receive good news on Wednesday. During New England’s first practice of the week, both Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) and Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) were absent — while veteran center Garrett Bradbury was a non-participant. On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Christian Elliss was also sidelined by a hip injury and did not participate on Wednesday. Stevenson didn’t play in Sunday’s win over the Falcons, while Boutte exited that 24-23 win as New England’s offense labored in the second half without Maye’s top deep-threat target available. If both Boutte and Stevenson can’t play, the Patriots will have to once again rely on younger talent at both skill positions. Last week, rookie TreVeyon Henderson and practice-squad signee Terrell Jennings both made the most of their added reps in the ground game — combining for 90 rushing yards and a touchdown. If Boutte has to miss Sunday’s game in Tampa, the next man up for New England would likely be rookie Kyle Williams. DeMario Douglas stepped up against Atlanta with his first 100-yard receiving game last week, but Maye’s knack for uncorking deep balls down the field will be hampered if Boutte can’t play. An injury to Bradbury would further complicate things on New England’s offensive line, with Ben Brown likely standing as the next man up at center. “Credit to Garrett for what he’s done,” Drake Maye said of Bradbury on Wednesday. “First off, coming into the o-line room and bringing some swagger. He’s a Charlotte guy; he went to the wrong college, but he’s done a great job this year. He plays really hard. He’s kind of the coordinator, as every center is. He does a great job communicating with me. Tampa is also dealing with some injuries beyond an extended absence for Mike Evans, with Chris Godwin and Bucky Irving also not practicing on Wednesday. Here’s a look at both New England and Tampa Bay’s injury reports: NEW ENGLAND Did not participate WR Kayshon Boutte, Hamstring C Garrett Bradbury, Hip LB Christian Elliss, Hip DL Joshua Farmer, Ankle RB Rhamondre Stevenson, Toe Full participation CB Christian Gonzalez, Gameday Concussion Protocol LB Marte Mapu, Neck TAMPA BAY Did not participate WR Chris Godwin Jr., Fibula RB Bucky Irving, Foot / Shoulder OLB Haason Reddick, Ankle / Knee OLB Markees Watts, Hand Limited participation T Luke Goedeke, Foot Full participation LB Lavonte David, Knee / Rib G Luke Haggard, Shoulder QB Baker Mayfield, Knee, Oblique CB Zyon McCollum, Thumb CB Jacob Parrish, Oblique
