Patriots rule out Kenbrell Thompkins, Aaron Dobson

Oct 27, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) talks with New England Patriots wide receiver Aaron Dobson (17) during the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

When the New England Patriots take on the AFC East rival Miami Dolphins on Sunday afternoon, they will be without two wide receivers. On Saturday afternoon, the team announced that they would be without rookie wide receivers Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins for their Week 15 match up.

The team announced the move on Twitter:

Kenbrell Thompkins & Aaron Dobson have been downgraded to OUT & will not play in tomorrow's game. #NEvsMIA
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 15, 2013

With Thompkins, Dobson and starting tight end Rob Gronkowski unavailable, the Patriots will need to dig deep and find players to step up in the passing game and provide Tom Brady with a reliable target.

Dobson has been dealing with a foot injury that has held him out of action for the past two weeks, while Thompkins has been dealing with a hip injury. Both receivers were listed as questionable heading in to the weekend, before being downgraded to out.

It will be interesting to see who the Patriots look to in the passing game to attack the Dolphins secondary.

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