Heading into the Eagles' Week 13 meeting with the Patriots, the big story for Philadelphia is the return of Sam Bradford after two games missed due to injury. With the veteran quarterback listed as "probable" entering Sunday there wasn't much suspense regarding his status, but the availability of three other starters – defensive tackle Bennie Logan, offensive tackle Jason Peters, and defensive end Cedric Thornton – remained uncertain until an hour and a half before kickoff.

Fortunately, when the Eagles announced their inactives for the game, two of the three were given the green light. Logan and Peters will play, but Thornton (ankle) will miss his third game this season. Ryan Mathews will miss his third consecutive game with a concussion and lingering groin injury. Running back Kenjon Barner will be active to provide the team with some extra depth at the position alongside DeMarco Murray and Darren Sproles. Tight end Zach Ertz will play after missing last week with a concussion, and Taylor Hart will start at defensive end in place of Thornton.

In addition to Thornton and Mathews, the Eagles will deactivate quarterback Thad Lewis, wide receiver Miles Austin, offensive linemen Barrett Jones and Tanner Hawkinson, and cornerback Denzel Rice. Wideout Jonathan Krause, who was signed to the active roster last month, will make his NFL debut.

The Patriots will be without a handful of key contributors, including tight end Rob Gronkowski (knee), wide receiver Julian Edelman, and linebacker Dont'a Hightower. Also inactive for New England will be running back Trey Williams, defensive lineman Dominique Easley, cornerback Justin Coleman, and safety Jordan Richards.