FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- One of the most notable takeaways from New England Patriots practice Thursday is that starting defensive tackle Dominique Easley remains sidelined. This isn't a major surprise, given the discomfort that Easley showed in the Sept. 10 opener after injuring his left hip in the first quarter.
In fact, it wouldn't be surprising if the Patriots decide to shut Easley down until at least after their Week 4 bye, simply based on the way the schedule breaks and with the long haul in mind.
Easley reportedly has a hip pointer.
Because he is highly unlikely to play Sunday against the Bills, this shines a brighter spotlight on the team's big-bodied defensive tackle personnel as the Patriots figure to go "big" against Buffalo in an attempt to stop the run.
Sealver Siliga (6-2, 325): Appeared to be managing some type of health issue before the Sept. 10 opener, as he was worked out by the medical and athletic training staff on the field before kickoff. He's the top run-stuffer, but only played 22 snaps in the opener. The Patriots will need more Sunday.
Alan Branch (6-6, 350):The nine-year veteran played for the Bills in 2013 and can be tough to block when motivated. He played just 12 snaps in the opener, but should be a bigger part of the plan this week.
Malcom Brown (6-2, 320): The first-round draft choice out of Texas is still adjusting to some of the two-gap principles in the Patriots' defense, but from a pure power standpoint, he hasn't consistently looked overmatched. He just needs more time to develop. He played on 26 snaps in the opener.
Khyri Thornton (6-3, 315): Claimed on waivers from the Packers on Sept. 5, he was inactive for the season opener. He spent last year on injured reserve with Green Bay. [update, 5:30 p.m. ET -- Thornton was waived by the club]
EXTRA POINTS: Rookie receiver Chris Harper cleared waivers Wednesday and signed with the Patriots' practice squad Thursday. ... According to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, the Patriots gave up a fifth-round draft choice to the Texans in exchange for wide receiver Keshawn Martin and a sixth-round draft choice. Because the trade is not yet official, Martin is not practicing with the Patriots at this point.
