New England Patriots announced Saturday four starters have been downgraded and won't play in Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Patriots ruled out wide receiver Chad Ochocinco (hamstring), free safety Patrick Chung (foot), center Dan Connolly (groin) and cornerback Devin McCourty (shoulder). All of the players had been listed as questionable.
Ochocinco first appeared on the Patriots' injury report on Friday with a hamstring injury and was listed as not participating in practice.
In his first season with the Patriots, Ochocinco has just 11 catches for 201 yards and zero touchdowns. The 11-year veteran has yet to miss a game this season but is in jeopardy of finishing without a touchdown catch for the first time in his career.
Chung has missed the past two games and leaves the Patriots' secondary thin. James Ihedigbo and Sterling Moore started against the Chiefs last week and are again expected to be paired against the Eagles. Ihedigbo, though, was also deemed questionable. McCourty, who also missed the last game with a separated shoulder, is again expected to be replaced by Alex Molden.
Ryan Wendell, who replaced the injured Connolly against the Chiefs, is expected to make his third career start.
