The New England Patriots will be without tight end Aaron Hernandez on Sunday when the Buffalo Bills visit Gillette Stadium (1 p.m. ET on CBS), reports CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora. Hernandez is battling an ankle injury that has forced him to miss several games this season.

One of those games was a Week 4 contest with the Bills. Buffalo ended up losing that game badly, 52-28.

The news of Hernandez being unable to play is concerning, as the Patriots had a bye last week. The week before that, he was able to rest in a 45-7 blowout victory over the St. Louis Rams.

In his place, the Patriots will turn to veteran Visanthe Shiancoe, who was activated from the injured list.

Quarterback Tom Brady still has a bunch of weapons to throw to, as wide receiver Wes Welker and tight end Rob Gronkowski will suit up.

Next week, the Patriots host the Indianapolis Colts.