Mike Reiss, ESPN Staff Writer 10y

RB Vereen active; WR Dobson inactive

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Analysis from the New England Patriots' inactive players Sunday against the Raiders: WR Aaron Dobson, CB Alfonzo Dennard, RB James White, S Don Jones, C Ryan Wendell, G Josh Kline and DE Zach Moore.

Vereen is active. One question mark leading into the game was how running back Shane Vereen's shoulder injury would affect his availability. He is active, and with the Patriots making White inactive for a third straight game, it reflects that they view Vereen as ready for whatever they need in this game.

Dobson the odd man out in WR corps. Last week, Kenbrell Thompkins was a healthy scratch as the Patriots managed their excess numbers at receiver. This Sunday, it's Dobson, which is a bit of a surprise. Dobson is healthy, so this is a coach's decision that Thompkins, Danny Amendola and Brandon LaFell fit best in the game plan, with LaFell's special-teams contributions a factor in his favor. Didn't see that one coming, as the view from here is that Dobson (second round, 2013) has the highest upside of the group of receivers after Julian Edelman.

Collins returns after missing Week 2. Starting linebacker Jamie Collins went through tests before the game to test his injured thigh and obviously passed them based on him being active. Along those same lines, reserve defensive end/core special-teamer Michael Buchanan is active for the first time since injuring his ankle in the preseason finale.

Back to seven offensive linemen. After going heavy with eight offensive linemen on their 46-man game-day roster last week, the Patriots are back to the standard seven this Sunday. That could mean we see less of offensive tackle Cameron Fleming (28 snaps) as a blocking-based tight end.

Ryan's chance to solidify his spot. With starting right cornerback Alfonzo Dennard out for the second straight week with a left shoulder injury, it's a chance for second-year player Logan Ryan to further solidify his hold on the starting spot. Ryan is coming off a strong performance last Sunday in Minnesota.

RAIDERS INACTIVES

QB Matt Schaub

RB Maurice Jones-Drew

CB Chimdi Chekwa

LB Sio Moore

LB Nick Roach

G Tony Bergstrom

OT Matt McCants

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