Patriots Inactives vs. Bengals: Hightower Out

The New England Patriots have announced their inactives for their week five Sunday Night Football match-up against the Cincinnati Bengals:

Nate Ebner, S; Cameron Fleming, OL; Josh Kline, OL; James White, RB; Malcolm Butler, DB; Zach Moore, Dont'a Hightower, LB

The big name here is Dont'a Hightower. Hightower was questionable with a knee injury, and his absence is a big blow to this run defense. He's been one of the teams best and most consistent players all year.

There is good news, though. The Patriots get Alfonzo Dennard back for the first time since week one. He should immediately be re-inserted back into the top three on the depth chart with Darrelle Revis and Logan Ryan. Kyle Arrington could be limited to dime work. With the extra depth, the Patriots also made the rookie free agent Butler inactive.

Aaron Dobson is also active for the second time this year after a reported altercation with OC Josh McDaniels. Hopefully he can help stretch the field for the Patriots. The team needs all the help they can get in that area, and Dobson provides a glimmer of hope.