The Patriots are officially getting one of their best defensive players back in the lineup.
After missing last week's game in Buffalo with a shoulder injury, linebacker Dont'a Hightower is active for Sunday's game in Washington against the winless Redskins. Hightower's return should bolster a defense that doesn't need much bolstering. The Pats lead the league in a host of defensive categories, while the 'Skins are starting their third different quarterback this season.
Meanwhile, Julian Edelman is also active after being a constant presence on the injury report over the last two weeks thanks to a chest injury.
The Patriots had already downgraded Rex Burkhead, Patrick Chung, and Nate Ebner to out on Saturday afternoon. Some thought Burkhead's absence might open the door for rookie running back Damien Harris to make his debut, but he is inactive — while Chung's absence means that Jordan Richards is active as he starts his second stint in New England.
Washington will get promising rookie wide receiver Terry McLaurin back in the lineup today, as he's active after missing last week's game with a hamstring issue. McLaurin has at least 60 receiving yards and a touchdown in each of the three games he's played this season, though his numbers could take a hit Sunday thanks to the staunch Patriots secondary — and Colt McCoy under center.
Here's the full list of inactives for both teams:
New England Patriots
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NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (4-0)
QB Cody Kessler
S Patrick Chung
RB Rex Burkhead
RB Damien Harris
S Nate Ebner
OL Korey Cunningham
DL Byron Cowart
WASHINGTON REDSKINS (0-4)
QB Case Keenum
LB Josh Harvey-Clemons
CB Aaron Colvin
G Brandon Scherff
TE Vernon Davis
TE Jordan Reed
C Ross Pierschbacher
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