What happened: Mike Brown is set for a game-day role after working on four core special teams units last week, giving New England another safety behind Kevin Byard III, Craig Woodson and Jaylen Reed. Kindle Vildor also adds corner depth and special teams help with Christian Gonzalez out and Woodson carrying a questionable tag because of a shoulder issue.

Why it matters: The move shores up a secondary that is already leaning on its depth chart before Sunday's game. Brown brings immediate special teams value, while Vildor gives the Patriots another option if injuries force extra snaps in the defensive backfield.

What to watch: Sunday's inactive list will show whether Woodson can go and how large a defensive role Brown and Vildor need to handle. Their snap counts should clarify whether the elevations are mostly for special teams or a deeper coverage contingency.