FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots starting linebacker Jamie Collins is active for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles after missing the team's last four games with an undisclosed illness. Collins said Friday that he felt he was ready to return, and coach Bill Belichick obviously agrees.
Meanwhile, as expected, the Patriots will be without linebacker Dont'a Hightower, who reportedly sprained his MCL last Sunday.
The Patriots' inactive players Sunday are cornerback Justin Coleman (hand injury), running back Trey Williams (healthy scratch after joining team Wednesday), safety Jordan Richards (healthy scratch), defensive tackle Dominique Easley (ankle), receiver Julian Edelman (left foot) and tight end Rob Gronkowski (right knee).
Receiver Damaris Johnson, signed to a two-year contract on Tuesday, is active and will make his debut. He wears No. 15.
The team also gets No. 2 tight end Michael Williams back after he missed last Sunday's game with a knee injury.
For the second straight week, the Patriots are also dressing eight offensive linemen, which is one more than the norm. This is due, in part, to using offensive tackle Cameron Fleming as an eligible receiver at times.
