Patriots Predictably Downgrade Pair Prior To AFC Championship

The New England Patriots took care of some business on Saturday.

New England announced that defensive lineman Joshua Farmer and running back Terrell Jennings would not be activated off injured reserve and were downgraded to out for the AFC Championship on Sunday.

Jennings, 24, appeared in seven games this season before ultimately landing on injured reserve with a concussion, though he officially cleared concussion protocol and was a full participant in practice all week.

Farmer, 23, appeared in all but four games during the regular season before landing on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, and was also a full participant in practice this week after having his practice window opened last week.

The Patriots have spent each of the last few weeks filling that duo’s places with practice squad running back D’Ernest Johnson and defensive lineman Leonard Taylor III — which will likely remain the case when they submit elevations at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday.

New England did not rule out wide receiver Mack Hollins (abdomen), who is also on injured reserve — indicating that he at least made the trip and has an opportunity to play against the Denver Broncos.