Patriots, Bucs both rule out multiple key starters for Week 10 matchup

The New England Patriots will be shorthanded in Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

On Friday, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel ruled out running back Rhamondre Stevenson, wide receiver Kayshon Boutte and linebacker Christian Elliss for the Week 10 game.

"The statuses will be as followed. Rhamondre will be out. Kayshon will be out, and Elliss will be out," Vrabel told media members.

Stevenson has been sidelined for the last two weeks with a toe injury, while Boutte is still dealing with the hamstring injury he suffered in the team's win over the Atlanta Falcons last week. Meanwhile, Elliss is on the mend with a hip injury.

All three starters being out means others will have an opportunity to step up on game day. The offensive backfield will be composed of rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson and Terrell Jennings for a second straight week. Rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams could also see increased snaps with Boutte sidelined.

As for the Buccaneers, they will enter the game shorthanded as well after ruling out running back Bucky Irving, wide receiver Chris Godwin and edge rusher Haason Reddick for the game. Keep in mind, the Bucs are already missing Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan as well.

Like the Patriots, they will need others to step up and help fill the void in one of the biggest games of the week.

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots, Bucs both rule out multiple key starters for Week 10 matchup