INDIANAPOLIS -- Analysis from the Patriots' inactive players for Super Bowl XLVI: 

1. Faulk decision stands out. In a game of this magnitude, one line of thinking was that Patriots coach Bill Belichick would lean more toward experience than youth. But he went the opposite direction at running back, going with rookie Stevan Ridley (2 fumbles in his last 2 games) over Faulk, the longest tenured player on the team. That's a surprise from this perspective. The Patriots have BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Danny Woodhead and Ridley at running back, with Lousaka Polite at fullback. 

2. Gronkowski, as expected, ready to go. Tight end Rob Gronkowski's left high ankle sprain drew a lot of attention all week, but there was never really a question of him playing. The question remains how effective he will be. 

3. Vollmer cleared and ready. After missing seven straight games with back/foot injuries, starting right tackle Sebastian Vollmer is active. It might be asking too much for Vollmer to go wire to wire, so we'll look for some type of rotation with him and rookie Nate Solder. This opens up a solid chance the Patriots call on their "big" package, with Solder as an extra tight end. 

4. Ochocinco active after missing AFC Championship. Veteran Chad Ochocinco, who was inactive for the AFC title game (he attended his father's funeral the day before) and played just one snap in the divisoinal round, is active as the fourth receiver. Wes Welker, Deion Branch and Julian Edelman top the depth chart. 

5. Cannon gets nod as reserve lineman. The Patriots have eight offensive linemen active for the game, with rookie tackle/guard Marcus Cannon getting the final spot over center/guard Nick McDonald. The Patriots have Ryan Wendell as their top backup at center, and McDonald would have added another layer of depth in the pivot. But Cannon adds more power and the Patriots look to be prioritizing that in this game. 

6. Other than Faulk, no major surprises. Outside of veteran running back Kevin Faulk being inactive, no major surprises for the Patriots on this list. Quarterback Ryan Mallett was active for just one game this season, while rookie running back Shane Vereen has been inactive over the last two months, and linebacker Gary Guyton has fallen out of favor. In addition, defensive lineman Ron Brace hasn't broken through, while offensive lineman Donald Thomas has been inactive in recent weeks.