Ray Ventrone follow-up

After undergoing surgery on his jaw Tuesday, Patriots safety/receiver Ray Ventrone is one of three players already ruled out for Sunday's game in Buffalo -- along with LB Tedy Bruschi and C/G Billy Yates.

Should the Patriots qualify for the playoffs, Ventrone is unlikely to be available.

In terms of Ventrone's contributions to the Patriots this season, they've come mostly on special teams.

He's one of the team's fastest players, often the first to race down the field. He's totaled six special teams tackles (4 solo, 2 assisted) on the season, playing primarily on the kickoff return team, punt return team, kickoff coverage team and punt coverage team.

The Patriots are likely to split Ventrone's special teams duties among other players, such as Kelley Washington, Heath Evans, Mike Richardson and Antwain Spann. If the Patriots decide to make a roster move with Ventrone, they could turn to their practice squad and players such as Mark Dillard (safety) or Maurice Price (receiver).

Ventrone has not appeared in a game as a defender this season. He played in two early-season games as a receiver (against the Jets in Week 2 and the Dolphins in Week 3), but did not record a reception.