The Patriots have downgraded starting safety Patrick Chung (heel), Rex Burkhead (foot) and core special teamer Nate Ebner (groin) to out for Sunday's road game against Washington.
Terrence Brooks could step into Chung's role at safety, as he is the backup with the skill set most closely aligning Chung's (physical, ability to play in box and help in run support).
Meanwhile, Ebner's absence adds context to the free-agent signing of Jordan Richards, with Richards likely to fill Ebner's core special teams role, which includes being the personal protector on the punt team.