National Football League

TE Hernandez misses 3rd game for Patriots

Published Oct. 8, 2012 4:56 p.m. ET

foxsports

Tight end Aaron Hernandez is one of three starters sidelined for the New England Patriots against the Denver Broncos.

Hernandez is out Sunday for the third straight game after practicing last week for the first time since being hurt in the Patriots other home game, a 20-18 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

Two other starters, safety Steve Gregory and linebacker Don't'a Hightower are missing their first game with injuries. Other Patriots inactive players are tight end Michael Hoomanawanui, offensive lineman Matt Tennant and defensive end Jake Bequette. Wide receiver Julian Edelman is inactive for the second game with a hand injury

Denver's inactive players are running back Knowshon Moreno, QB Caleb Hanie, safety Duke Ihenacho, linebacker Steven Johnson, offensive lineman C.J. Davis, TE Julius Thomas and nose tackle Sealver Siliga.