Before the New England Patriots play a game, we will attempt to predict the team's inactive players.

Our best guess for Sunday's game against the San Diego Chargers (based on 53-player snapshot):

CB Malcolm Butler: This could be a breakthrough game for him after being inactive for the past two, especially with Kyle Arrington (ankle) on the injury report, but we'll stick with the status quo after getting burned last week.

OL Jordan Devey: The Patriots most often go into a game with seven offensive linemen, and Devey has been at the bottom of the depth chart of late.

OL Cameron Fleming: Wouldn't be surprised if he's ready to return for the first time since spraining his left ankle on Nov. 16 against the Colts, but since he's still been limited at practice, we'll stay on the safe side.

LB Dont'a Hightower: The signal-caller for the defense injured his right shoulder last Sunday against the Packers, and it appeared to still be affecting him as late as Friday's practice, with his right arm kept tucked close to the body while running.

LB Chris White: Core special-teamer hasn't practiced all week with an ankle injury (he also missed the Packers game last Sunday) and is officially listed as doubtful. It would be a surprise if he plays.

RB James White: The re-signing of LeGarrette Blount adds another layer to the running back depth chart that makes it more challenging for White to break through on the 46-man game-day roster.

If the Patriots promote a player from the practice squad to fill the open 53rd roster spot (e.g. WR Josh Boyce or LB Deontae Skinner), long snapper Danny Aiken and running back Jonas Gray were two considerations for a potential seventh inactive depending on the overall health snapshot of the roster.

Accountability check: A 4-for-7 effort last Sunday against the Packers. The misses were on Alfonzo Dennard, Aaron Dobson and Aiken.