The New England Patriots will be without some of their key contributors for their game against the Washington Redskins on Sunday. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Pats have ruled out running back Rex Burkhead and safeties Patrick Chung and Nate Ebner.
Burkhead is dealing with a foot injury. He was limited for all of the week's practice heading into Week 5. The running back led the Patriots in yards from scrimmage in the first three weeks (229), but was hardly used in an offensive struggle win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 4.
With Burkhead out, the Patriots have four running backs eligible to play on Sunday, including Sony Michel, James White, Damien Harris, and Brandon Bolden. Fullback Jakob Johnson should see snaps as well.
Like Burkhead, Chung was limited in practice all week as he's dealing with a heel injury. For the season, the starting strong safety has 17 combined tackles, a tackle for loss, and a pass deflection. According to Pro Football Reference, he has allowed a 100 passer rating in coverage through four games.
With Chung out, the Patriots will likely elevate Duron Harmon into a starting role. Terrence Brooks and Jordan Richards are also candidates to see an uptick in snaps.
Ebner is dealing with a groin injury. He has yet to play a defensive snap in 2019, as his role with the team remains on special teams — where he has seen 63 snaps.
The Patriots are 4-0 entering their game against the 0-4 Redskins. A loss, despite the inactive players, would be the upset of the 2019 season.
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