The New England Patriots have announced their in actives for their week seven game against the New York Jets:

Logan Mankins, G

Tracy White, LB

Pat Chung, S

Steve Gregory, S

Brandon Bolden, RB

Ron Brace, DT

Jake Bequette, DE

Thoughts:

• On the list, Logan Mankins is by far the biggest absence. Mankins will likely be replaced by Donald Thomas, who performed well in the team's week four victory over the Bills. Nonetheless, losing Mankins for today is a big blow for the offensive line.
• The next biggest absence: Patrick Chung. Chung was listed as questionable at safety with a shoulder injury, and his absence means that the Patriots will be without their starting due, as Steve Gregory was already declared out as well. That means that the Patriots will start rookie Tavon Wilson at one spot, with either Nate Ebner, Sterling Moore, or Devin McCourty at the other spot. If I'm the Jets, I'm taking my fair share of shots down the field
• Some notable players suiting up for the Patriots: rookie linebacker Dont'a Hightower and wide receiver Julian Edelman. Hightower should immediately be inserted into the team's base defense - which will be key against the run heavy Jets. Edelman should be in the mix at receiver, and it will be interesting to see how many snaps he plays in his return to injury. Will Deion Branch still see snaps? How will his snaps compare to Wes Welker's? Just a couple of things to watch.
• Linebacker Jeff Tarpinian, signed off the practice squad yesterday, will fill in for the injured Tracy White on special teams. Tarpinian could also see some snaps in the base defense if Hightower plays limited snaps in his return.