National Football League

Broncos' Paxton will miss Pats game

Published Jan. 13, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Denver Broncos will be without long snapper Lonie Paxton for their divisional playoff game against the New England Patriots on Saturday night.

Paxton has been dealing with a family issue all week and was officially ruled out Friday along with receiver Eric Decker (knee).

It's likely that Russ Hochstein will be the fill-in long snapper. Right guard Chris Kuper used to be Paxton's backup but he broke his left leg two weeks ago and was placed on injured reserve. Hochstein, an 11th-year pro who spent six seasons in New England, replaced Kuper on the offensive line.

Paxton was a big part of the Broncos' spectacular special teams, which helped them end a six-year playoff drought. He had just one errant snap all season, leading to a botched extra point.