Patriots Name Inactives vs Steelers; Thompkins Out

OL Chris Barker - The Patriots have opted to play their newly promoted practice squad guard Josh Kline. Barker's been inactive as he's being groomed, but would likely be claimed off waivers if they tried to stash him.

RB Leon Washington - Washington returned to practice, but his injury still prevents him from playing. Look for him to be ready after the bye week.

WR Josh Boyce - Boyce is becoming a weekly occurrence as he continues to learn the offense. For whatever reason, he hasn't been able to crack the starting lineup.

WR Kenbrell Thompkins - In this week's shocker, Thompkins is tagged as inactive. His snaps have declined with the pick-up of Austin Collie, as well as the growth of Aaron Dobson, but this move is truly a surprise. One has to think there's more behind this benching than just getting outplayed, especially since this leaves Dobson as the only outside receiver.

DE Jake Bequette - Bequette, like Boyce, is finding himself unable to crack the starting lineup.

LB Steve Beauharnais - Beauharnais is similar to Barker in the sense that he'd be a priority claim off waivers and the Patriots believe that he has a future with the team.

CB Aqib Talib - Talib will take another week off, along with the bye week, and should be ready to go for the final stretch. The Patriots are facing Antonio Brown, one of the top receivers in the league, so hopefully Alfonzo Dennard can pick up some of the slack.