FOXBORO — Patriots wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster was absent at the start of Friday’s practice, a possible sign he could miss this weekend’s game at Denver.

Related Articles

Bill Belichick confirms officials underinflated kicking balls in Patriots-Chiefs game

Patriots mailbag: What’s Trent Brown’s future with Patriots?

Callahan: Handing out 7 holiday gifts to the Patriots

Injuries should force these Patriots players to step up Week 16 vs. Broncos

Patriots running back Kevin Harris ready for bigger opportunity on 53-man roster

Smith-Schuster missed last Sunday’s loss to Kansas City and has been limited in practice by an ankle injury for weeks. He was one of four players absent, along with running back Rhamondre Stevenson, safety Jabrill Peppers and offensive tackle Conor McDermott. All three of them missed every practice this weekend, virtually guaranteeing they will be out Sunday against the Broncos.

Tight end Hunter Henry (knee) was present for a second straight practice. Outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings and special teamer Cody Davis also returned from one-day absences due to illness.

The Patriots will release their final injury report of the week Friday evening.