Aaron Hernandez back for Patriots: Week 6′s late actives/inactives

Aaron Hernandez has missed the last three games. (Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE)

We’re keeping an eye on the key actives/inactives for Sunday’s late games:

Active

• Aaron Hernandez, TE, Patriots (ankle): Hernandez will make his long-awaited return to New England’s lineup on Sunday in Seattle, giving Tom Brady a full complement of weapons. Hernandez has not played since Week 1.

• Hakeem Nicks (knee/foot): Nicks slowly worked his way into the mix during practice this week, then traveled with the Giants to San Francisco — a good sign that he planned to play. And he will indeed take part in the rematch of last year’s NFC title game.

• John Skelton, QB, Cardinals (ankle): Skelton is back in action for Arizona — or at least back in uniform. Skelton will serve as the backup for Kevin Kolb on Sunday as he continues to bounce back from an ankly injury.

Inactive

• Pierre Garcon, WR, Redskins (foot): Despite returning to the Redskins’ lineup, Garcon has been unable to get his foot — injured in Week 1 — back to 100 percent. He’ll sit out another game Sunday in an effort to get right.

• Todd Heap, TE, Cardinals (knee): Heap was listed as questionable this week, but he will miss his fourth consecutive game.

• Brandon Jacobs, RB, 49ers (knee): Jacobs will miss Sunday’s game against his former team. He has been dealing with a knee injury but he did participate in practice this week, which gave him a shot to play.

• Jerome Simpson, WR, Vikings (leg): After returning from a suspension to start the season, Simpson briefly provided Minnesota with a deep threat in the pass game. He has had issues with leg weakness lately, however, and will be out until he can resolve that issue.