Patriots downgrade Ronnie Perkins, Jalen Mills to out Sunday against Texans

The New England Patriots will face the Houston Texans without Ronnie Perkins and Jalen Mills.

The rookie linebacker and veteran cornerback were both downgraded from questionable to out on the eve of Sunday’s 1 p.m. ET kickoff at NRG Stadium, the organization announced.

Mills, 27, had been listed as limited for three consecutive practices due to a hamstring injury. Through four starts in the New England secondary, the March arrival has played 88 percent of the defensive snaps to record 12 tackles and one pass deflection.

Perkins, 22, awaits his NFL debut after landing in the third round of April’s draft at No. 96 overall. The Oklahoma product off the edges began the regular season among the inactives due to a shoulder injury and has since been a partial participant due to an ankle injury.

New England previously ruled out right tackle Trent Brown, right guard Shaq Mason and cornerback Shaun Wade for Week 5, while left tackle Isaiah Wynn and left guard Mike Onwenu remain on the Covid-19 reserve list.

An additional seven members of the active roster are listed as questionable.