Logan Mankins Returns to Lineup, Sebastian Vollmer Out Against Broncos

by Jeff Howe on Sat, Jan 14, 2012 at 7:11PM

FOXBORO, Mass. — Left guard Logan Mankins is back in the Patriots' lineup Saturday after missing the regular-season finale with a knee injury.

Right tackle Sebastian Vollmer (foot, back), linebacker Gary Guyton, defensive lineman Ron Brace, running back Shane Vereen, defensive back Nate Jones, offensive lineman Donald Thomas and quarterback Ryan Mallett are the Patriots' seven inactive players for Saturday night's playoff game against the Broncos.

Guyton, Brace, Vereen, Jones, Thomas and Mallett were not on the injury report, which is the most healthy scratches the Patriots have had all season.

Rookie Nate Solder will start against his hometown team in place of Vollmer, who is out for the sixth straight game and the 11th time this season.

Mallett is out for the 16th time this season, including the last 14. Vereen is inactive for the 10th time, including six straight. Thomas won't play for the fourth time this season. Brace is out for the third consecutive game. Guyton is inactive for the second time. Jones is out for the first time since joining the Patriots.

Safety Patrick Chung, who was questionable with a mysterious knee injury, is in the lineup.

Aside from Mankins, running back Kevin Faulk and linebacker Tracy White are back in the lineup after missing the Patriots' game against the Bills in Week 17.

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