The New England Patriots will face the resurgent Buffalo Bills on Sunday evening without starting right guard Stephen Neal, who was unexpectedly downgraded to "out" on Saturday night because of a shoulder injury. New England also ruled out free safety Eugene Wilson and linebacker Eric Alexander, but those moves were anticipated since it is believed neither player practiced much this week. Neal was limited in practice and, until Saturday, was listed as "questionable" on the injury report, but it was expected he would play. So the Saturday night move was at least mildly surprising. The six-year veteran, a starter since 2004, sat out three games earlier in the year but had started the past five contests. A former college wrestling champion, Neal, 31, is a rugged in-line blocker and much stronger as a run blocker than a pass protector. He has started 50 games in his career.