In a little more over 90 minutes, the New England Patriots will play their fifth game of the season. And as opposed to their opponent, the Indianapolis Colts, the team will be in solid physical shape – a look at the Patriots’ list of inactive players confirms that:
Patriots inactives
OT Cole Croston
CB Eric Rowe
OL Ted Karras
CB Cyrus Jones
DE Geneo Grissom
DE Keionta Davis
DE Derek Rivers
The Patriots’ inactives list shows one thing: with the exception of cornerback Eric Rowe and defensive edge Geneo Grissom, the team is at full strength: six of the eight players listed as questionable on yesterday’s final injury report are active – a group consisting of tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Jacob Hollister, wide receiver Josh Gordon, defensive tackles Adam Butler and Danny Shelton, and linebacker Elandon Roberts.
All five will play considerable snaps today, as will another active player – one returning to the field: wide receiver Julian Edelman was activated before the game and will suit up tonight.
Colts inactives
TE Jack Doyle
WR T.Y. Hilton
RB Marlon Mack
CB Kenny Moore II
DT Hassan Ridgeway
CB Quincy Wilson
OT Denzelle Good
The Colts’ inactives were already known before today: the team declared seven players out on its final injury report yesterday to already reach the 46-man game day limit. Among the inactives are starters T.Y. Hilton, Jack Doyle and Kenny Moore II.
[UPDATE, 10/04, 7:00 p.m. ET] According to the Colts, two active players will not dress tonight: linebacker Darius Leonard and cornerback Nate Hairston are effectively joining the inactives. Both are starters on Indianapolis’ defense and missed only one combined snap over the first four weeks of the season.