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          As Patriots get healthier, could David Harris be edged off game-day roster?

          Could Patriots linebacker David Harris be inactive for Sunday's game against the Panthers? Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire
          • Mike Reiss, ESPN Staff WriterSep 30, 2017, 03:00 PM
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              Mike Reiss is an NFL reporter at ESPN and covers the New England Patriots. Reiss has covered the Patriots since 1997 and joined ESPN in 2009. In 2019, he was named Massachusetts Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. You can follow Reiss on Twitter at @MikeReiss.
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          Every Saturday, some of the hot topics surrounding the New England Patriots will be explored in Q&A form:


          Charlie, projecting the inactives for Sunday's game against the Panthers always starts with the injured players and linebacker Dont'a Hightower appears to be primed for a return. He was in the locker room during the media access period Friday for the most extended time I've seen since he injured his knee Sept. 7. When approached, he said politely that he will talk after the game, which could be viewed as an indication that he plans to play. So of the injured players, I'd say running back Rex Burkhead (doubtful/ribs) will be inactive, and I'll play a hunch that cornerback Eric Rowe (questionable/groin) and core special-teamer Brandon King (questionable/hamstring) will join him. That would leave four more spots for inactives and two will likely come from the offensive line (Cole Croston and then either Marcus Cannon/Cam Fleming/LaAdrian Waddle). Then the final two spots could be linebackers David Harris and Harvey Langi.

          Dante, if there is one thing to take away from 18 years of Bill Belichick's coaching tenure, it's that you're never surprised. If players like Richard Seymour, Jamie Collins and Chandler Jones can be traded, anything is possible. Specific to tight end Dwayne Allen, I think he'll ultimately stick. He's making some effective blocks in the running game, and while his contributions as a pass-catcher haven't come to the forefront, sometimes all it takes is one catch to spark the breakthrough. He also provides insurance in the event of a Rob Gronkowski injury.

          Toby, I think this is a good point. Defensive end Cassius Marsh was put into a tough spot in the season opener as he had just arrived via trade five days prior, so while his first impression might not have been especially strong, his impact seems to be growing each week. That third-and-1 stop he made against the Texans was an important play. He's a high-motor player, and with him settling in more on the edge, it could allow the Patriots to play Hightower more in an off-the-line linebacker role.

          Through three games, running back Dion Lewis has played just 32 snaps, well behind James White (104) and Mike Gillislee (75). I've always felt like the Patriots are going to want to manage Lewis' snaps to keep him healthy for the long haul, but a case could be made that he deserves more work. Part of that could be tied to the team trying to get Gillislee going and giving him a chance to get into a rhythm of sorts. He's been very good close to the goal line, but there has been inconsistency in most other areas of the field. Said Belichick on Friday, "I think he's done a good job when he's had an opportunity." Like you, I'm curious to see if those opportunities increase this week.

          Jim Nantz (play-by-play), Tony Romo (analysis) and Tracy Wolfson (sideline) are scheduled to be on the CBS call Thursday when the Patriots visit the Buccaneers.

          That's going to be contingent on the game plan on a week-to-week basis. Last week, they clearly wanted to be careful falling into the same trap the Bengals did the week before when Deshaun Watson got away from pressure and raced 49 yards for a touchdown. The Patriots are always going to try to guard against the big play, so it's some risk/reward analysis. I do think we'll see coordinator Matt Patricia get aggressive with more pressure calls at times, and I wouldn't be surprised if it's this week against the Panthers.