The New England Patriots will play host to the seventh seed in the AFC, the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Chargers are making the six-hour trip northeast to take on New England on its home turf. It will be in the low 30s at game time with steady and gusty winds, but no precipitation.
The Patriots have had a loaded injury report since mid-November when they lost three starters in a single game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
But for the first round of the playoffs, the stars will give it a go.
The inactives include: NT Khyiris Tonga (foot), G Caedan Wallace, OLB Bradyn Swinson, TE CJ Dippre, T Marcus Bryant, WR Jeremiah Webb, and QB Tommy DeVito.
Stars Kayshon Boutte and Robert Spillane Will Play
Patriots receiver Kayshon Boutte exploded on the scene early this season with a 100-yard game in Week 1.
He has since cooled down and battled to stay on the field late in the year. He was a true game-time decision dealing with a hamstring injury that first appeared before Christmas.
The receiver will be active tonight and reprise his role as the primary deep threat on the Patriots’ offense.
Another huge activation for the Wild Card game will be linebacker Robert Spillane.
Spillane was an underrated free agent signing during the offseason. He was given a three-year contract and showed fans why as he led the team in tackles despite playing just 13 games in the regular season.
The inside linebacker runs like a safety and tackles like an edge rusher. He last played on “Monday Night Football” against the New York Giants on December 1st.
He is a huge addition to what has held up as one of the league’s best defenses.
Los Angeles Chargers Inactives
The Chargers also are entering Sunday night’s game at full strength and ready to do battle. However, their social team does not have as nice a graphic to show it.
CB Isas Waxter S Kendall Williamson OLB Bud Dupree OLB Kyle Kennard OT Austin Deculus WR Dalevon Campbell TE Tyler Conklin
Top-ten draft pick offensive lineman Joe Alt remains on the injured reserve, but much of their o-line that has struggled so badly to stay healthy will give it a go.
Keep an eye on the play of left tackle Jamaree Salyer. He has played just 449 snaps this year and is returning from a hamstring injury.
Patriots Inactives In Wild Card Playoffs, Big Name Stars To Play