The Patriots have announced their inactives for today's game against the Buffalo Bills:

Ron Brace, DL

Kevin Faulk, RB

Shane Vereen, RB

Ryan Mallett, QB

Sebastian Vollmer, OT

Logan Mankins, G

Tracy White, LB

Thoughts:

• The big news here is that Patriots safety Pat Chung and linebacker Brandon Spikes are both set to return to action for New England. Both have missed the last seven games due to respective injuries, and as two of the Patriots' best defenders, their absence has left the Patriots thin defensively. Playing against the Bills today is big, as it allows the players a game to prepare and get rid of the rust for the playoffs.
• Kevin Faulk and Ron Brace look like healthy scratches. With Spikes and Chung coming back, there are always going to be some sacrifices when it comes to the 46 man game day roster.
• Logan Mankins and Sebastian Vollmer were both declared out before the game. However, the Patriots do receive a boost on the offensive line with the return of Matt Light who seemed to tweak something in his leg before last week's game. Having Light back frees up Nate Solder to play some third tight end (with Marcus Cannon coming in at right tackle).
• Tracy White and Shane Vereen were game-time decisions. The Patriots promoted rookie defensive back Malcolm Williams yesterday to fill White's special teams role.