FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots are without starter Kyle Van Noy (calf) and core special-teams player Trevor Reilly (healthy scratch), leaving them thin at linebacker for Sunday's home game against the Buffalo Bills.
Van Noy, who has been the Patriots' top linebacker in terms of playing time, will miss his third straight game. He has been making progress in his recovery.
Meanwhile, Reilly plays on the Patriots' four core units -- kickoff return, kickoff coverage, punt return, punt coverage -- and his deactivation was unexpected. The Patriots will likely turn to multiple players to fill his void, led by defensive end Geneo Grissom.
The other inactive players were expected: offensive lineman Cole Croston, wide receiver Chris Hogan, defensive tackle Alan Branch and running backs Rex Burkhead and James White.
That means running back Mike Gillislee is active for the first time since Oct. 29, and he will play against his former team on Sunday.
Also, starting left tackle Nate Solder -- who was added to the injury report on Saturday at 11:05 p.m. ET with an illness (questionable) -- is active for the game.
