HOUSTON -- Make a critical mistake and it can cost you a spot on the 46-man game-day roster.
That is one of the big takeaways from the New England Patriots' announcement of inactive players for Sunday night's game against the Houston Texans, as rookie Geneo Grissom is not dressed for action. Grissom, a third-round pick from Oklahoma, was at the heart of a punt-protection breakdown last Sunday against the Eagles that led to a block that was returned for a touchdown.
Grissom's shaky status on the roster was foreshadowed earlier Sunday (point No. 6). He had played in 11 of 12 games this season.
In addition to Grissom, the Patriots declared safety Tavon Wilson, defensive tackle Sealver Siliga, wide receiver Damaris Johnson, guard Josh Kline, linebacker Dont'a Hightower and receiver Julian Edelman inactive.
Siliga, who has been the No. 4 defensive tackle in the rotation in recent weeks, is a healthy scratch for the second time this season. This highlights how the Patriots are carrying an extra linebacker on defense instead of an interior defensive tackle, perhaps with special teams in mind.
