Patriots Inactives vs. Jets: Hightower Back, Browner Debuts

The New England Patriots have announced their inactives for their week seven match-up against the New York Jets:

Bryan Stork, C; Dan Connolly, G; James White, RB; Aaron Dobson, WR; Nate Ebner, S; Malcolm Butler, DB; Cameron Fleming, OL

Let's start with the big news: Cornerback Brandon Browner will make his debut tonight. Linebacker Dont'a Hightower is active for the first time in three weeks following a knee injury. Hightower will likely lead the Patriots defensive huddle without Jerod Mayo.

The big surprise: Brian Tyms is active over Aaron Dobson. The Patriots likely felt they didn't need five receivers active, so Dobson sits in lieu of the deep threat Tyms.

Bryan Stork and Dan Connolly are both inactive with concussions, as expected. Chris Barker will be active after being promoted from the practice squad earlier today.

In a surprise, rookie runner James White is inactive, as Jonas Gray has jumped him on the depth chart. This is likely due to Gray's ability to run the ball between the tackles. Gray and Brandon Bolden represent the only true "early down" backs on the roster.

One more pleasant surprise: Dominique Easley is back in the mix and active. He should help the Patriots in both 3-man and 4-man fronts.