EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Aaron Hernandez will try his luck against the Jets . . . for a second time.
The tight end, who sprained an ankle in New England's second game of the season, is active for the first time since the Week 7 AFC East showdown. He played 57 of 80 offensive snaps against New York that night, but afterward was placed back on the shelf for more rehab.
Safety Pat Chung is also making a return after being sidelined with a shoulder injury suffered against the Seahawks.
More positive news for the Patriots: Linebacker Brandon Spikes (knee) and Wes Welker (ankle), who were both "limited" this week, are available tonight as well.
Tackle Sebastian Vollmer's absence is a surprise. He's had a consistent spot on the injury report because of a bad back and knee, but has played -- and started -- in every game this season.
Tight end Rob Gronkowski (broken forearm), defensive end Chandler Jones (ankle), and left guard Logan Mankins (anklecalf) did not participate in either of the week's walkthroughs and were ruled "Out" for the game as of Wednesday.
The full list of Patriots inactives:
TE Rob GronkowskiLG Logan MankinsOT Sebastian VollmerDE Chandler JonesDB Marquice ColeDL Jake BequetteOL Markus Zusevics
Inactive for the Jets:
RB Kahlil BellDC Aaron BerryDT Damon HarrisonOG Hayworth HicksTE Hayden SmithC Caleb SchlauderaffQB Greg McElroy
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