FOXBOROUGH – The backend of the Patriots secondary is hurting.

Over the last two weeks, the defense has been without starting safety Jaylinn Hawkins. On Wednesday, the Patriots were without their other starter as rookie Craig Woodson missed the team’s first practice of the week with an ankle injury.

Through seven weeks, Woodson leads the Patriots in defensive snaps, playing 98.1% of the time. The fourth-round pick has been an instant starter for the Patriots this season. He’s third on the team in tackles (34) and also has a pass breakup and fumble recovery.

With Hawkins missing the last two games, Kyle Dugger has started next to Woodson.

The other safety on the 53-man roster is Dell Pettus, who’s played 30 defensive snaps this season. Last week, the Patriots also signed veteran s

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