FOXBORO -- The following Patriots players are inactive for Sunday's game against the Texans: tight end Jacob Hollister, defensive end Derek Rivers, cornerback Keion Crossen, cornerback J.C. Jackson, running back Sony Michel, wide receiver Chad Hansen, offensive lineman Brian Schwenke.
Michel isn't much of a surprise as he missed all of the the preseason and returned to practice just over a week ago. He likely will be eased into things as he works his way back from a knee injury suffered early in training camp.
Hollister is the biggest name, as many expected him to play a role in helping replace Julian Edelman's output. He's been battling a hamstring injury the last several weeks and was listed as questionable. With Crossen and Jackson inactive, Jason McCourty and Jonathan Jones are the No. 3 and 4 corners behind Stephon Gilmore and Eric Rowe.
Defensive end Derek Rivers is a healthy inactive -- whenever he plays it will be his NFL debut.
As for the Texans, wide receiver Will Fuller is inactive, which is good news for the Patriots secondary.
