Haynesworth, Ellis, Vereen, Dowling out

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By Tom E. Curran
CSNNE.com Patriots InsiderFollow @tomecurranDETROIT - If the Patriots' new attack-style defense is going to be appreciably better in 2011, we're going to have to take it on faith. Neither Albert Haynesworth nor Shaun Ellis made the trip to Detroit for Saturday night's game against the Lions. Both men are being paid sums that indicate they are going to be big parts of the Patriots defense. Neither has played in the preseason due to injury (Ellis) and general conditioning (Haynesworth). If neither plays in the preseason finale against the Giants next Thursday, they'll be going into the opener in steamy South Florida to take on the Dolphins with no game reps since last season. Meanwhile, rookie running back Shane Vereen and rookie corner Ras-I Dowling were left behind as well. Both players returned to practice this week after nursing ailments. Left tackle Matt Light and wide receiver Brandon Tate have been on the field during warmups. Whether Light or rookie Nate Solder gets the start at left tackle is one story line to watch.
Tom E. Curran can be reached at tcurran@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Tom on Twitter at http:twitter.comtomecurran

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