The New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos have announced their inactives for today's AFC title game. For the Patriots, rookie wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins (hip/concussion) is inactive, but Aaron Dobson is in. Dobson has been dealing with a foot injury, but he was reportedly extremely moving well on the field during pregame warm-ups.
If the Patriots decide to air it out with four wide receiver sets, expect Austin Collie to have a large role in the offense in Thompkins' absence.
Most importantly, punter Ryan Allen is active for the Patriots. In the thin Denver air, Allen could potentially have a career game if he is called upon -- though the Pats would prefer to not have to punt.
Denver cornerback Marquice Cole is inactive. This is the second week in a row that a former Patriot was inactive for an opponent (last week Deion Branch was inactive for the Colts).
Here is the full list of inactives for both teams:
New England Patriots | Denver Broncos |
OL Chris Barker | QB Zac Dysert |
WR Kenbrell Thompkins | RB Ronnie Hillman |
TE DJ Williams | CB Marquice Cole |
DE Jake Bequette | OL Vinston Painter |
NT Isaac Sopoaga | OL Chris Kuper |
CB Justin Green | TE Joel Dreessen |
LB Steve Beauharnais | DT Sione Fua |