FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots already have ruled veteran center/guard Ryan Wendell out for Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, as Wendell is listed on the injury report with an illness. Wendell touched on his status Friday.

The team must deactivate six more players for the game, and here is a projection on the likely candidates:

Dominique Easley -- The second-year defensive tackle officially is questionable with the left hip injury sustained in the Sept. 10 opener and declined comment when approached in the locker room this week. He's been limited in practice, and with the bye week after the Jaguars' game, it might be smart to hold him out another week.

Justin Coleman -- This spot is between veteran Bradley Fletcher and Coleman, with the rookie Coleman having been inactive for the first two games. Fletcher has struggled at times and one could make the case that it's time to give Coleman a look. This will be one of the more interesting decisions for the coaching staff.

Trey Flowers -- The fourth-round pick from Arkansas flashed in the preseason with some solid pass-rush skills, but has been inactive for the first two games of the season. He's been on the injury report (knee), which could be a factor, and another consideration is that fellow end-of-the-line players Geneo Grissom and Rufus Johnson have larger roles on special teams.

Michael Hoomanawanui -- The sixth-year tight end is an unsung player who is currently No. 4 on the depth chart. The Patriots would like to keep four tight ends on their 46-man game-day roster, especially without a pure fullback, but something has to give somewhere. Hoomanawanui isn't a big factor on special teams and has played only 22 offensive snaps through two games.

Keshawn Martin -- Acquired in a trade from the Texans last week, he adds experienced depth at receiver and as a kickoff returner. He was inactive last Sunday after having practiced just one day with the team, and with Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola and Aaron Dobson atop the receiver depth chart, he has the luxury of some more time to work behind the scenes.

James White -- The second-year running back was inactive in last Sunday's win over the Bills, with Travaris Cadet getting the nod over him. Cadet's expanded role on special teams, as he plays on the punt coverage unit as a gunner, gives him an edge.