FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Thoughts from the Patriots' inactive players today: CB Malcolm Butler, WR Aaron Dobson, OL Jordan Devey, DL Dominique Easley, RB James White, OL Cameron Fleming and DE Chandler Jones:
Accountability check. Five-for-seven on inactives predictions. One of two hunches paid off -- with cornerback Alfonzo Dennard getting the nod over Butler. But Dobson continues to be edged out by Brian Tyms as the fourth receiver. We also didn't project Easley (knee) as an inactive, instead tabbing backup Zach Moore.
Blount active in return. Some asked the question if running back LeGarrette Blount would be active after just having two practices with the team. He is indeed active and is expected to split time with Jonas Gray in the power back role. But this isn't expected to be a big power running game for the Patriots, with "passing back" Shane Vereen projected to see the most snaps at the position.
Following up on Easley. The Patriots' 2014 first-round draft pick missed practice on Thursday and Friday with a knee injury. It was unclear if it was a case of managing his existing injury, as was the case the week before when he missed two practices, or something that could threaten his availability for action. It turned out to be the latter. Without Easley, the Patriots lose their top right end in the base 4-3 defense, as well as an interior sub rusher. Akeem Ayers could be in line for more reps at end, while the interior sub rush could fall more to Chris Jones.
Welcome back, Dennard. Dressing for the first time since Oct. 16 against the Jets, Dennard takes the spot of Butler, who didn't hold a block against the gunner in last Sunday's win over the Colts. The Patriots have good depth at cornerback and special-teams contributions are often a key consideration when choosing which players dress on the 46-man game-day roster, and it looks as if Butler's performance last week has opened the door back up for Dennard.
What's up with Dobson? We had a hunch that maybe this was the week Dobson could re-emerge, as he's only played in three games this season. Tyms and quarterback Tom Brady haven't had a consistent connection the last two weeks, but he remains the No. 4 option over Dobson. This highlights how things are trending in the wrong direction for Dobson, who appeared to have an opening but couldn't seize it.
Bush won't dress for the Lions. On the Lions' side, running back Reggie Bush (ankle) is among the inactives. With the Lions playing on Thanksgiving, that could have been a big part of the consideration for giving him a little more time.