The injury bug has bit the New England Patriots at some key spots this season, and right now starters Chris Hogan, Malcom Brown, and Marcus Cannon are all dealing with ailments.

Before the regular season began, Tom Brady's top receiving target Julian Edelman was lost for the season with a torn ACL. Then, yesterday the Patriots announced that one of their top defenders, linebacker Dont'a Hightower, has been placed on injured reserve, bringing his season to a close.

Heading into their Week 10 matchup against the Denver Broncos, Hogan, Brown, and Cannon all missed Wednesday's practice from the start, per Ryan Hannibale of WEEI.

The Patriots may be without three starters Sunday against the Broncos.

Chris Hogan, Marcus Cannon and Malcom Brown all were missing from the start of Patriots practice Wednesday, which was held on the grass field behind Gillette Stadium. All three missed Tuesday's session as well.

As Hannibale notes, Brown, who plays on the defensive line, was out with an ankle injury prior to the bye week when the Patriots faced the Los Angeles Chargers. Cannon (offensive line) endured an ankle injury of his own during that game, and Hogan (wide receiver) went down after hurting his shoulder.

If Hogan and Cannon are unable to go, you can expect wideout Phillip Dorsett and tackle LaAdrian Waddle to see more action. A lot of pressure would fall on Waddle if he gets the assignment at right tackle, as Denver's pass rushing monster Von Miller will be matched up across from him from the opening whistle.