Inactive analysis

Analysis of the Patriots’ inactive players, and what that means for other players on the roster.

* With receiver Andre’ Davis inactive, Troy Brown returns to assume his role as the team’s No. 3 receiver. The active receivers are Deion Branch, David Givens, Brown, Tim Dwight and Bethel Johnson.

* With running backs Kevin Faulk and Patrick Pass inactive, the running backs on the active roster are Corey Dillon, Michael Cloud and Heath Evans. Now we’ll see how much Dillon (ankle) carries the ball.

* With safety James Sanders inactive, look for cornerback Randall Gay to move back and play safety. Gay’s first career NFL start came at safety, in a game against the Jets on Oct. 24, 2004.

* With offensive tackle Matt Light inactive, expect rookie Nick Kaczur to make his fifth straight start at left tackle.

* With defensive linemen Richard Seymour and Dan Klecko inactive, the Patriots are light on the d-line. The only active d-linemen are Ty Warren, Vince Wilfork, Jarvis Green, Marquise Hill and Mike Wright. This means a linebacker-heavy defensive lineup for the Patriots.

–Mike