Top running back Rhamondre Stevenson (foot) and starting left tackle Vederian Lowe (ankle) both were absent from Thursday’s practice outside Gillette Stadium — the team’s last before it heads to London for its Week 7 matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones returns an punt for a touchdown during an NFL game against the New York Jets on Nov. 20, 2022, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini) FOXBOROUGH — The Patriots could be missing three important pieces when they head across the pond.

Jerod Mayo knows a fast start will go a long way toward his team winning games, and the Patriots will face a Jaguars team that has given up a lot of first-quarter points this season.