FOXBORO — The Patriots defense has taken a major hit judging by Wednesday’s practice attendance.

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Five defensive starters — outside linebacker Harold Landry, inside linebackers Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss and cornerbacks Carlton Davis and Marcus Jones — were all absent during a period of media access.

Before practice, Spillane was spotted wearing a boot in the locker room. He also missed last Sunday’s loss to Buffalo with a hurt foot he tested out pregame.

Landry has been managing a knee injury for weeks that has often kept him out of practice. Davis suffered a groin injury against the Bills that briefly kept him off the field, while Elliss and Jones appear to be dealing with new ailments.

The Patriots (11-3) are heading into a critical game at Baltimore this Sunday night. The Ravens (7-7) will be fighting for their playoff lives, while the Pats can clinch a postseason berth with a win. The Patriots will also clinch if the Texans lose at home to Las Vegas at 4:25 or the Colts lose a Monday night battle with the 49ers.

The Pats and Ravens will release their first injury reports of the week Wednesday evening.