New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills: Will Patrick Chung Be Able to Play?

The New England Patriots' secondary just got even more thin with the news of Patrick Chung likely to be ruled out for Sunday's visit to Ralph Wilson Stadium against the Buffalo Bills. 

As Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald reported Thursday, Chung is likely not going to play against the Bills. Shalise Manza Young is now reporting that Chung was at the team's practice on Friday and did participate in the workout. 

Chung underwent surgery on his right thumb earlier this week, so it's likely that he will not play on Sunday, but it's rather strange to hear a report of Chung participating in practice at Gillette Stadium today. 

The Patriots enter Week 3 with several notable defensive backs on their injury report: Kyle Arrington (concussion), Josh Barrett (thumb), Leigh Bodden (hand), Ras-I Dowling (hip), as well as Chung and his recently operated thumb. 

New England is going to need to get all the help they can against Ryan Fitzpatrick and Buffalo's white-hot offense. 

Coming into this weekend, the Bills are currently sitting atop the league with an incredible average of 39.5 points per game and are seventh in total team offense. Mainly, Buffalo's focus is to run the ball with the league's leading rusher, Fred Jackson, as well as mixing in C.J. Spiller and Brad Smith. 

However, when Buffalo goes to the air, Fitzpatrick has been efficient and productive and could have his way against New England's injured secondary that comes into this weekend ranking 31st in the league in passing yards allowed. 

With Chung's recent surgery, it's hard to believe that he'll be able to play at a high level this Sunday in Buffalo, but practicing today is definitely a good sign that he's heading in the right direction. 

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