The Patriots were down two wide receivers during practice Thursday. One you know: Josh Gordon.

The second was a surprise: Cordarrelle Patterson.

Per multiple reports, Patterson was the only Patriot to unexpectedly miss practice, a rare session held inside Gillette Stadium. New England had gone seven straight practices with all members of its 53-man roster available. With Gordon and Patterson out, special teams captain Matthew Slater ran through drills with the wideouts.

No sign of Cordarrelle Patterson at today’s in-stadium practice. Patriots are very thin at wideout right now with Josh Gordon out of the picture. pic.twitter.com/ViSBZQ1Qwn — Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) December 20, 2018

Gordon announced early Thursday morning he would be stepping away from football to focus on his mental health. Within the hour, NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero reported Gordon had violated the league’s substance abuse policy for the fifth time and will likely face indefinite suspension. As of early Thursday afternoon, he remains on New England’s roster.

Patterson, meanwhile, did not appear on the Patriots' injury report on Wednesday. Linebacker Brandon King was the only player listed with a knee injury. New England is currently preparing for a home game Sunday against the Bills.

Sunday’s kickoff is set for 1 p.m. from Gillette Stadium.