FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones (hip) was ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos.

Jones did not play in the Patriots’ victory over the Chicago Bears last Sunday. There have been reports that Jones will miss significant time with a hip injury.

Elsewhere on the health front, linebacker Dont’a Hightower was removed from the injury report. Hightower was dealing with a knee injury that kept him out of the team’s Oct. 12 victory over Buffalo. With linebacker Jerod Mayo out for the season, Hightower has filled Mayo’s role. Hightower at 100 percent again is a boost for the defense.

Veteran defensive lineman Alan Branch was also removed from the injury report after appearing on it for a non-injury-related reason on Thursday. Branch is expected to play Sunday to provide depth for the defensive front against the run.

Rookie defensive lineman Dominique Easley (knee), rookie offensive lineman Cameron Fleming (finger), and core special-teamers Nate Ebner (finger) and Matthew Slater (shoulder) are questionable for Sunday’s game.

Quarterback Tom Brady (ankle) and cornerback Brandon Browner (ankle) are listed as probable.