Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez not expected to play against Bills

Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez is not expected to play Sunday against the Bills. (US Presswire)

Two weeks off apparently wasn’t enough for Aaron Hernandez to get healthy.

The New England Patriots tight end is expected to miss Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills due to a lingering ankle injury suffered in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals, according to multiple media reports.

Originally classified as a low-ankle sprain, Hernandez’s situation is rapidly becoming cause for concern. He returned in Week 6 against the Seahawks and played again the next week against the Jets, catching a combined 11 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. But he suffered an apparent setback and was left home when the Patriots traveled to London to play the Rams.

Coming off a bye, Hernandez was limited throughout the week. He did not practice Tuesday due to the birth of his daughter.

New England activated TE Visanthe Shiancoe to the 53-man roster after he started the season on injured reserve with the designation to return. He began practicing on Oct. 23 and had to be activated by next Tuesday or be placed on season-ending IR.

Coach Bill Belichick said this week that Shiancoe was gaining familiarity with the playbook, indicating that he should be ready to contribute.