ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The New England Patriots are without three starters on defense -- defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, safety Patrick Chung, and rookie starting cornerback Ras-I Dowling -- for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills.
Haynesworth has a bad back, Chung injured his thumb in last Sunday's win against San Diego, and Dowling has a hip injury. Haynesworth and Chung were declared out on Saturday.
New England is also without starting right tackle Sebastian Vollmer (back) and tight end Aaron Hernandez (knee). With Hernandez unavailable, Rob Gronkowski is the only healthy tight end for the Patriots.
Buffalo is without right guard Kraig Urbik (knee) and cornerback Terrence McGee (hamstring).
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press