5. Ras-I Dowling

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Dowling is an interesting case. He has played two seasons, and finished on the IR in both years. However, when healthy, Dowling is a tremendous talent who has the size and speed to match up against nearly any receiver in the league. The problem is that he has rarely been healthy as a member of the Patriots.

With much uncertainty regarding Alfonzo Dennard’s future, Dowling may wind up making the team as a security blanket, but he will have to stay on the field consistently from here on out to get that chance.

4. Julian Edelman

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Julian Edelman is a guy that could see extended playing time tonight as well. With his injury issues in the past, and slot receivers like Danny Amendola and Josh Boyce competing for playing time against him, Edelman could be the odd man out in New England.

With the signing of Leon Washington this past offseason, the team may not have a need to rely on Edelman as a return man as they have in the past. This could ultimately make him expendable.

With Amendola out tonight with an unspecified injury, Edelman will surely play extended snaps. He will need to convince the Patriots that he is worth holding on to.

3. Jermaine Cunningham

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Jermaine Cunningham is in a very similar situation to Dowling in this game. With a DE rotation that has guys like Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich and Marcus Benard in the hunt for playing time, Cunningham may be the odd man out for the Patriots.

Like Dowling, Cunningham has struggled staying on the field in his career. Whether he plays in this game or not will determine if the Patriots think he is worthy of a roster spot after a very underwhelming start to his career.

2. Brandon Bolden

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Brandon Bolden’s situation is a little bit different than the other players on this list. He has played solid football during his time with the Patriots. Unfortunately, he has proven to be unreliable when it comes to staying on the field.

Whether it be due to PED suspensions or because of injuries, Bolden has missed his fair share of games so far in his short career. With a running back group that consists of players like Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen, LeGarrette Blount and Leon Washingtonto compete with, his roster spot may be in jeopardy.

1. Tavon Wilson

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Last but not least, we come to Tavon Wilson. From the moment he stepped foot in the league, many fans were less than thrilled with him being selected in the second round of the draft. They thought it was a reach for a mediocre player who might have gone undrafted if the Pats didn’t snatch him.

Fast forward one year, and he is now fighting with a plethora of safeties for a roster spot. He is competing with Adrian Wilson, Steven Gregory, Duron Harmon and Devin McCourty for one of two starting safety spots.

Realistically, McCourty would play the free safety position, leaving strong safety up for grabs among Tavon, Gregory, Harmon and Adrian. With that being the case, the odds of Tavon landing a starting spot this year are slim to none.