FOXBORO — Patriots safety Kyle Dugger was the lone absence from Friday’s practice inside Gillette Stadium.

Dugger popped up on Thursday’s injury report as limited with a knee injury. It doesn’t bode well for his availability that he was missing from the start of Friday’s practice.

Related Articles

Why Patriots coach expects CB Christian Gonzalez to return to form soon

New Patriots: Getting to know starting wide receiver Mack Hollins

Patriots’ defense knows it has to start faster, but how do they do it?

Callahan: Mike Vrabel’s insider tips, Maye’s insane deep ball and more Week 8 thoughts

Patriots-Browns injury report: Stefon Diggs limited again Thursday, 3 upgraded

The Patriots’ starting safeties, Jaylinn Hawkins (hamstring) and rookie Craig Woodson (ankle) are also banged up.

Hawkins has missed two straight games but has been a full participant in practice this week. Woodson did not participate in Wednesday’s practice and was limited Thursday.

Dell Pettus would be next in line for snaps at safety this Sunday against the Browns. The Patriots also have safety/special teamer Brenden Schooler on their 53-man roster and Richie Grant on the practice squad.

Grant, 27, was selected by the Falcons in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He’s started 33 of 67 career games.

It appears Hawkins should be good to go after being a full participant in practice this week, but the statuses of Dugger and Woodson bear monitoring.