The Patriots won’t have tight end Rob Gronkowski on Thursday night, but they will have Aaron Hernandez back in the lineup.
Hernandez has missed the last three games with an ankle injury, but, as expected, he’s active against the Jets in the final game of the NFL’s Thanksgiving tripleheader. It’s not clear how much the Patriots plan to play a player they’ve been very cautious with in recent weeks, but his presence should make the loss of Gronkowski a little easier for the Patriots offense to bear.
The Pats won’t have right tackle Sebastian Vollmer, however. Vollmer, who has played well in recent weeks, was listed as questionable with back and knee injuries on the final injury report. Marcus Cannon is expected to start in his place.
The Patriots ruled out Gronkowski, guard Logan Mankins and defensive end Chandler Jones before heading to New Jersey. Cornerback Marquice Cole, defensive end Jake Bequette and
tackle Markus Zusevics are the other inactives for the Patriots.
Quarterback Greg McElroy, guard Caleb Schlauderaff, guard Hayworth Hicks, tight end Hayden Smith, running back Kahlil Bell, defensive tackle Damon Harrison and cornerback Aaron Berry are inactive for the Jets. Wide receiver Jordan White and cornerbacks Darrin Walls and Donnie Fletcher, all of whom were promoted from the practice squad this week, are active for the Jets.