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2:10 p.m. ET: New England Patriots star linebacker Jamie Collins is expected to make his long-awaited return from an illness Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Collins sat out four games with an undisclosed sickness. The third-year pro appeared to have lost some weight during his absence while spotted in the Patriots' locker room Friday. Collins said Friday he expects to make his return against the Eagles.

Collins' biggest impact might be as a pass rusher against the Eagles. Patriots defensive tackle Dominique Easley likely won't play after sitting out practice Wednesday and Thursday with an ankle injury. The Patriots might depend on Collins to pressure Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford up the middle. Collins recorded 4.5 sacks in the Patriots' first seven games.

The Patriots-Eagles matchup kicks off at 4:25 p.m., and will be aired locally on FOX. The Patriots' inactives will be released an hour and a half before game time. Wide receiver Danny Amendola reportedly is expected to play, which should give the Patriots' offense a boost. There's no word if linebacker Dont'a Hightower will play on his sprained knee. Wide receiver Julian Edelman and tight end Rob Gronkowski already have been ruled out for the Patriots.

Stay here for updates and analysis up to and throughout the game.

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