According to Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston, defensive linemen Albert Haynesworth and Shaun Ellis are not expected to play in Saturday night’s game against Detroit. The highly touted defensive line additions both returned to practice this week after suffering injuries and have yet to officially suit up for the Patriots this preseason.
Joining Haynesworth and Ellis on the sideline will be rookies Shane Vereen and Ras-I Dowling. Vereen and Dowling have also missed significant practice time with injuries of their own. The two second round picks were able to join their teammates on the field for practice this week in hopes that they could finally play their first NFL downs.
The Patriots do have so good news to report as left tackle Matt Light has reportedly made the trip with the team to Detroit and will likely start on Saturday night in his first preseason game of the season protecting Tom Brady’s blindside.
Light and the rest of the offensive linemen will be able to breath easier tonight as Lions defensive linemen Kyle Vanden Bosch and Nick Fairly will both not suit up on Saturday night. Running back Jahvid Best will also not suit up this evening for Detroit.
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