Every Saturday, some of the hot topics surrounding the New England Patriots are explored.

@MikeReiss any chance Malcom Mitchell returns to action this year? — Consilly (@erikconsilvio) November 3, 2017

Erik, I asked Bill Belichick this question last week, and he didn't rule it out. The latest information I had on Mitchell's status came from someone close to him, who said on Wednesday that he is "going week by week, but not this week." I was told Mitchell, who initially landed on injured reserve because of his knee, recently started running again. This has easily been the most frequent question of the last week, as the team's depth at receiver is being tested after Chris Hogan injured his right shoulder in last Sunday's win over the Chargers. Hogan is expected to make a full recovery this season, but it might take some time, and so the team might need to turn elsewhere.

Hey Mike, if Hogan isn't 100% do they rest him? Can they beat Denver without Hogan? — Tihomir Paskalj (@Timpy87) November 3, 2017

Tihomir, it should be pretty clear-cut in terms of Hogan's availability, and the team will generally lean toward the side of caution in these situations. Last year, when Hogan tried to play through a back injury against Seattle, it was clear to me that he wasn't himself and it was a situation where it was almost hurting the team more than helping. So sometimes, not having the player can actually be better than having a player who isn't quite physically where he needs to be. The Patriots will make the best decision based on where things stand with Hogan, and they can still win the game without him.

Do you expect a larger role for Phillip Dorsett in the second half? — Dynasty Driven (@20YearDynasty) November 3, 2017

I talked to Phillip Dorsett a little bit on Wednesday, and he mentioned how comfortable he's become in the team's offense. Given Hogan's situation, I do expect to see more of Dorsett, at least initially in the second half of the season. They need him. It has been notable that in the last two weeks he has played a bit more in the three-receiver set and I would think that continues, in addition to some possible work in two-receiver sets. One key is using him to help keep Danny Amendola's snap count from getting too high, which would increase his exposure to injury.

@MikeReiss whats your thoughts on jordan Richards play so far? — OFORILLYDAGOD (@Badseedz187) November 3, 2017

Outside of the opener against the Chiefs, when there were struggles for pretty much every defensive player, Jordan Richards has accounted well for himself. He's been a sure tackler when playing closer to the line of scrimmage, and his increased playing time has helped give Patrick Chung a breather at times. That has probably helped Chung in other areas, as he has been tapped with a variety of assignments, from covering top tight ends to smaller, shiftier slot receivers. One other thing about Richards that probably shouldn't be overlooked: He knows the defense, so communication and adjustments are generally handled well.

i'll say this, in recent years, the Patriots have tried to run more as the weather gets colder. Saving Gillislee for stretch run? — Mike Mosher Sr. (@m_mosher2112) November 2, 2017

Mike, when it comes to running-back usage, I wouldn't say the turn away from Mike Gillislee the last three weeks (39 total snaps) is a result of trying to save him for later in the season as much as it is a reflection of Dion Lewis earning more time. Gillislee is still making some tough yards, and there have been some solid runs in his limited opportunity. He did have the lost fumble against the Jets on Oct. 15, and earned a 34-snap stretch on the bench because of it, but the team had already started Lewis in that game anyway.

Has brady been hurt? Hasn't been throwing as many TDs as I expected this season. Think he'll get it back? — Kyle Butler (@KyleBut11) November 2, 2017

Kyle, Tom Brady had been dealing with a left shoulder injury he suffered a few weeks ago, according to the team. He also had taken a high total of hits. It's not the number of touchdowns that I'd focus on when it comes to Brady but the inaccuracy of a higher total of his passes than the norm. His two hallmarks are accuracy and decision-making, and while his completion percentage is still solid (66.7), it feels like there have been more passes that receivers have had to adjust to this year than in recent seasons. Brady is as tough as they come, and he would never use an injury as an excuse, but the inaccuracy at times has had me asking the same question of whether he is playing through an injury we might not know about.

He won't do that again! Where does this fine $$$ go? — Marc Shear (@Recruiter_Marc) November 3, 2017

Marc, this is a timely question after starting left guard Joe Thuney was fined $9,115 for clipping in last Sunday's win over the Chargers. Sam Farmer, who covers the NFL for the Los Angeles Times, wrote about this topic last year. The short answer: It goes to charities agreed upon by the NFL and the NFL Players Association.