A quartet of Patriots players will spend Thanksgiving at home in New England, watching their teammates on TV.
Guard Stephen Neal, cornerback Jonathan Wilhite, and defensive linemen Mike Wright and Myron Pryor were all downgraded to out in anticipation of Thursday’s game.
Neal’s absence should make life easier for Ndamukong Suh and an underrated Lions defensive line. Wright is New England’s leading sack artist this year, enjoying a career season.
Running back Fred Taylor and safety Jarrad Page weren’t downgraded, indicating they both could play for the first time in a long time.
UPDATE: The Patriots announced a fifth inactive. Tackle Mark LeVoir is downgraded to out.