Before the New England Patriots play a game, we will attempt to predict the team's inactive players.

Our best guess for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears:

G Chris Barker: Promoted from the practice squad last week to add a layer of depth with three offensive linemen injured, he is No. 10 on the 10-man offensive line depth chart.

CB Malcolm Butler: The Patriots are six deep at the position, and with Butler a developmental prospect in the No. 6 spot, he gets edged out on game day.

OL Jordan Devey: He filled in at left guard with starter Dan Connolly concussed, but with Connolly appearing set to return, it could lead him to be inactive.

WR Aaron Dobson: With the top three on the depth chart locked in (Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell, Danny Amendola), and Brian Tyms representing a deep threat who has shown a knack for going up and getting the ball in 50-50 situations, Dobson would be No. 5 on the depth chart. Couple that with a lack of special-teams contributions and the feeling is that it costs him a roster spot on game day.

DE Chandler Jones: Top pass-rusher has already been ruled out with a hip injury.

G Josh Kline: Has held the fort at right guard the last two weeks while the Patriots managed injuries to others, but with center Bryan Stork returning, it creates flexibility to kick Ryan Wendell back to right guard.

RB James White: This could change if Shane Vereen's illness lingers, but there was no indication late in the week that would be the case.

Accountability check: A 6-for-7 effort, with the lone miss projecting Dominique Easley (shoulder) as inactive instead of White.