Patriots Inactives vs. Vikings: Dobson over Thompkins

The New England Patriots have announced their inactives for their week two match-up against the Minnesota Vikings:

Pats inactives: CB Alfonzo Dennard, DE Zach Moore, WR Kenbrell Thompkins, RB James White, LB Jamie Collins, C Ryan Wendell, DE M. Buchanan.

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 14, 2014

The Patriots announced that Michael Buchanan, Jamie Collins, and Ryan Wendell had all been downgraded to out last night. Without Collins, the Patriots will be extremely thin inside at linebacker. Dont'a Hightower and Jerod Mayo likely play inside in 3-4 looks, and Rob Ninkovich probably returns to a 3-down role.

With Wendell out, it could be time to get rookie Bryan Stork into the rotation - he could perhaps even start today's game.

News of Kenbrell Thompkins going inactive is very surprising, considering he was the team's primary "X" receiver just last week. Aaron Dobson is ready to go, and should see a lot of snaps.

Losing Alfonzo Dennard to a shoulder injury is also a surprise. That should mean more looks for Logan Ryan and Malcolm Butler on the outside.

The Vikings also announced their inactives:

Today's inactives vs. New England. #NEvsMIN pic.twitter.com/VApbja49VU

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 14, 2014