Posted by Andy Benoit

In a case of the strong getting stronger, the first place Patriots will activate Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins this Sunday against the Browns. No word on whether Mankins will start (Dan Connolly has done a decent job filling in on the left side).

Mankins’ addition is a testimony to the value of humility (or at least the value of “a little bit of humility”). It took awhile, but Mankins decided to swallow his pride and report despite not having the long-term contract he wanted. The Patriots, doing their part, chose to welcome him back right away, rather than use the spiteful and misguided hardball tactic of suspending him three games. Now the team has another Pro Bowler to help out on offense.

To make room for Mankins, the Pats released disappointing cornerback Terrence Wheatley, who was a second-round pick just three years ago.

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Posted by Josh Katzowitz

Here’s who IS active: Texans DE Mario Williams, Texans WR Jacoby Jones, Chargers LT Marcus McNeill, Browns QB Brett Ratliff (psst, he’s Colt McCoy’s backup), Browns RB Peyton Hillis (he’ll start), NT Haloti Ngata.

On to the inactives:

Chris Chambers, WR, Chiefs: He was a late addition to the injury report, after hurting his finger late in the week. Without Chambers, Terrance Cooper could get more work, and don’t forget that QB Matt Cassel still has TE Tony Moeaki.

James Sanders, S, Patriots: He originally replaced an injured Brandon Meriweather a few weeks ago, and now, Sanders has a hamstring problem. Look for Jarrad Page to move into Sanders’ role.

Terrence Wheatley, CB, Patriots: He returned to practice this week for the first time this season, and New England was hoping he could contribute this week to a young secondary. He won't.

Jared Odrick, DL, Dolphins: His rookie season is quickly becoming a disaster. He played in Week 1, but he’s been set back by a hairline fracture in his leg ever since. There was some thought he could play this week, but obviously, he’s not.

Legedu Naanee, WR, Chargers: Patrick Crayton will get the start in place of Naanee.

Josh Wilson, DB, Ravens: He’s been bothered by a sore hamstring, but it was thought he could play today. The big loss for Baltimore is his kickoff returning ability. Expect Jared Parmele to take his place.

Charlie Batch, QB, Steelers: With Ben Roethlisberger's return, Byron Leftwich officially takes over the Steelers backup job.

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Posted by Andy Benoit

The Patriots secondary suffered a major blow with veteran cornerback Leigh Bodden being placed on Injured Reserve Tuesday. The Patriots announced that Bodden went on IR with a shoulder injury, though multiple media outlets are pointing out that he's battled knee problems this preseason. 

New England used the Bodden move as part of their efforts to trim their roster to the required 75 men Tuesday. Bodden turned down free agent offers over the offseason to sign a four-year, $22 million with New England this past March. He is the team’s most reliable corner, in part because he is familiar with this scheme from his days playing for Romeo Crennel in Cleveland, and in part because he is adept in both man and zone coverage.

Bodden’s absence means that first-round rookie Devin McCourty, who has been impressive in training camp and the preseason, will likely get an opportunity to start. That would make for an extremely callow secondary, though, as last year’s second-round picks, Darius Butler (CB) and Patrick Chung (SS), both figure to see significant action with the first unit.

Third-year pro Jonathan Wilhite could also get a look, though he’s been inconsistent. Terrence Wheatley, who is also in his third season, is talented but injury prone.

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