Patriots rule Canada out and elevate Brown, Vildor before Bills game

New England downgraded cornerback Channing Canada to out Saturday after arriving in Buffalo, adding another confirmed absence in its secondary before Sunday's game against the Bills. The Patriots also elevated safety Mike Brown and cornerback Kindle Vildor from the practice squad.

Canada had been questionable with a hamstring injury on Friday's final report. His Saturday downgrade leaves New England without another cornerback alongside Christian Gonzalez, who was already ruled out because of a shoulder injury. The team's official post announced Canada's change at 4:50 p.m. Eastern.

Vildor's elevation adds an outside-corner option for the game. Brown is being elevated for a second consecutive week after playing on defense and special teams against Jacksonville. The additions are completed roster moves as New England prepares to face Buffalo's offense; the team has not announced starting assignments for either defender.

Six other players listed as questionable made the trip and retained that designation. They are right tackle Morgan Moses, tight end Eli Raridon, fullback Reggie Gilliam, safety Craig Woodson, linebacker Christian Elliss and outside linebacker Dre'Mont Jones. Traveling preserves the possibility that they can play but does not settle their availability.

The Patriots' official roster analysis notes that Raridon and Woodson also traveled to Jacksonville last week before being inactive. Woodson has been dealing with a shoulder injury, while Raridon missed the Jaguars game with a thigh injury. Their presence in Buffalo therefore leaves two decisions open until the final active list.

Moses is managing a foot injury after struggling physically during the Jacksonville loss. Rookie Caleb Lomu played the final 20 offensive snaps at right tackle in that game, according to the team's analysis. The veteran's questionable status leaves New England assessing the position again before facing Buffalo's pass rush.

Jones remains questionable with a shoulder injury after missing Week 3. His limited practice week did not produce a clearance, and Elliss is also questionable with a chest injury. The Patriots enter Sunday without defensive tackle Christian Barmore, who was ruled out with a shoulder injury, in addition to the losses at cornerback.

Jordy McElroy's independent Patriots Wire report confirmed the Brown and Vildor elevations and the defensive injuries that made added depth necessary. Saturday's later Canada downgrade further reduces the available secondary. New England now has two confirmed cornerback absences, two defensive backs added through elevations and six traveling players whose questionable designations remain unresolved.