Receiver Emmanuel Sanders (ankle) and inside linebacker (ankle), both of whom were originally listed as questionable to play Sunday against the Patriots, are active. But tackle will need at least another week to recover from a calf injury. In Stephenson’s absence, and after Menelik Watson was placed on season-ending injured reserve, veteran Allen Barbre is expected to start at right tackle.
The Broncos’ six other inactives are all healthy scratches: quarterback , receiver , running back De’Angelo Henderson, cornerback , and linebackers DeMarcus Walker and Joseph Jones.
The Patriots earlier ruled out three players — receiver , offensive tackle Marcus Cannon and defensive tackle Malcom Brown — and on Sunday listed running back Mike Gillislee, cornerback Eric Rowe, offensive lineman Cole Croston and defensive end Cassius Marsh as healthy scratches.
Tight end , who was claimed off waivers from Green Bay last week is dealing with a shoulder injury, is active.
“He played with those guys last year so going back and watching the film from last year, they had more two-tight-end sets on third down,” Broncos coach said of Bennett on Friday. “That could be a different deal than we’ve seen in the last couple weeks. We have a plan for that.”
