The New England Patriots have announced their inactives for their week five match-up against the Cincinnati Bengals:
WR Matthew Slater
RB Stevan Ridley
WR Austin Collie
TE Rob Gronkowski
OL Chris Barker
LB Steve Beauharnais
S Tavon Wilson
Thoughts:
The news here, of course, is that Danny Amendola is active for the Patriots. His return will provide a huge boost to the Patriots passing attack.
We knew heading in that both Stevan Ridley and Rob Gronkowski would be out with injury. With Ridley out, the Patriots will rely on a backfield tandem of Brandon Bolden and LeGarrette Blount. The Patriots will also have Leon Washington available, and it will be interesting to see if he works into the kick return game.
Newcomer Austin Collie is also inactive, but that really isn't a surprise considering Amendola's return. The Patriots will also have Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins suit up, despite injuries. Rookie Josh Boyce will likely be the fifth receiver on the depth chart.