The injury news for the New England Patriots wasn't good on Saturday afternoon, as five players were downgraded to out for their key matchup with the Denver Broncos. According to the New England Patriots Twitter page, key guys like Deion Branch, Brandon Spikes and Patrick Chung will not be taking the field on Sunday:
@realpatriots: Patriots announce 5 players downgraded to out: Patrick Chung, Shane Vereen, Brandon Spikes, Sebastian Vollmer & Deion Branch
There was some hope earlier in the week that Chung might take the field for the first time since November 6, but his foot injury will keep him out again. Spikes will also be missing his fifth straight game because of a knee injury. Branch, who was injured against the Washington Redskins last week, won't be able to take the field because of a groin injury. The injuries on the defensive side of the ball will be the most worrisome for the Patriots, as their secondary has struggled against the pass throughout the season.
For more updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. For news from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.