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Inactive analysis

Email|Link|Comments (1) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff October 12, 2008 07:33 PM

A look at the inactive players for the Patriots and what that could mean for others on the roster:

With running backs LaMont Jordan and Laurence Maroney inactive, the Patriots have Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, Heath Evans and BenJarvus Green-Ellis as their top backs. Morris and Faulk should see the bulk of the snaps, but Evans – a back of all trades – could see more time as a runner than blocker if necessary. This is Green-Ellis’s first game after being promoted off the practice squad.

With center/guard Dan Connolly and offensive tackle Wesley Britt out, the Patriots enter with their top seven linemen for the fifth straight game. Russ Hochstein will be the top backup at center/guard and Mark LeVoir is the third tackle. If left tackle Matt Light was injured, the Patriots would likely swing right tackle Nick Kaczur to the left side, with LeVoir entering on the right.

With outside linebacker Shawn Crable out for the fifth straight week, the Patriots continue to stick with a top group of Adalius Thomas, Mike Vrabel and Pierre Woods. Players like Ray Ventrone (5th receiver), Terrence Wheatley (5th cornerback) and Matthew Slater (4th safety/6th receiver) are likely considered more valuable because of special teams contributions.

With linebacker Eric Alexander out, the Patriots lose a special teams presence. Rookie Gary Guyton has filled that role in recent weeks.

With receiver Kelley Washington out, the Patriots will likely have Sam Aiken as their No. 4 receiver. Aiken also fills many of the special teams duties that Washington has performed.

With Matt Gutierrez the third quarterback, the Patriots go with rookie Kevin O’Connell as their No. 2 option for the fifth straight game.

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1 comments so far...

It looks like Crable's going to be a permanent inactive, much like Britt and Connolly, unless there's a bunch of injuries. I thought he would get a shot with Alexander being inactive the last couple games, but it hasn't happened. Too bad. I thought his performance in pre-season justified him as a guy who could help out in the regular defense and on special teams. Looks like we'll have to wait until 2009?

Posted by BurkieInBoston October 12, 08 07:52 PM

DO NOT HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON MORE THAN ONCE!

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Mike Reiss, Christopher L. Gasper and the rest of the Globe team provide regular updates –and a behind-the-scenes look– on the daily happenings of the Patriots.

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