With one preseason game in the books, we've decided to take another stab at predicting the final 53-man roster. There are some alterations since our last roster prediction, including changes at running back, the offensive line and in the secondary. In addition, the potential long-term loss of linebacker Dane Fletcher creates some uncertainty when it comes to personnel decisions on the defensive side of the ball.

OFFENSE (25)

Quarterback (3): Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett: Despite some of Mallett's inconsistency in the preseason opener, he remains on the final 53.

Running back (4): Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen, Danny Woodhead, Brandon Bolden: Keeping Bolden could hinge on whether or not the Patriots decide to keep an extra tight end. There's also the possibility they could sneak him through to the practice squad, which would presumably open up another spot at tight end -- however, if he continues to progress, exposing him to the waiver process might be a dangerous gamble.

Tight end (3): Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, Daniel Fells: While both Fells and Visanthe Shiancoe have struggled to stay healthy, Fells gets the slight nod here because he has more experience in the system. (He was signed as a free agent in the spring, while Shiancoe was signed on July 24.)

Wide receiver (6): Brandon Lloyd, Wes Welker, Jabar Gaffney, Julian Edelman, Matthew Slater, Deion Branch: The great debate continues. The first five remain locks, and while Donte’ Stallworth has done a good job taking advantage of Branch's lessened role over the last week or so, Branch still has the edge. However, this spot is still worth watching -- if Stallworth continues to trend upward, things could change next week. And if they find a way to keep seven receivers, add Stallworth to the list. Rookie Jeremy Ebert makes the practice squad.

Offensive line (9): Nate Solder, Brian Waters, Marcus Cannon, Dan Connolly, Ryan Wendell, Logan Mankins, Sebastian Vollmer, Nick McDonald, Donald Thomas: For roster purposes, we're adding Mankins and Waters, as by all accounts it sounds like they'll be in place in time for the regular-season opener against Tennessee. The one to watch is Vollmer -- if his nagging back issues persist, he could start the year on the PUP list, which would open a spot for one of the younger tackles. And even though we don't have him on this list, you have to figure there's some way Koppen makes the final 53 ... but he's going to have to show more than he did in the preseason opener.

DEFENSE (25)

Defensive tackles (4): Vince Wilfork, Kyle Love, Jonathan Fanene, Brandon Deaderick: Despite being slowed by injury, Fanene makes the team. Ron Brace among those who don't make it.

Defensive ends (5): Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich, Justin Francis, Jake Bequette, Trevor Scott: Jones and Ninkovich (who could still transition to linebacker if needed) will likely open the year as the starters, while Francis, an undrafted free agent, has shown enough at this point to make the team. Both Bequette and Scott performed well in the Thursday's opener, and could be in line for more reps later in the preseason.

Linebackers (6): Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes, Dont'a Hightower, Bobby Carpenter, Niko Koutouvides, Dane Fletcher: The injury to Fletcher creates some uncertainty at this position -- it's not known when he'll return -- but should provide enough of an opening for Carpenter to secure a spot. (If Fletcher is indeed gone for a stretch, that will create a chance for Jeff Tarpinian or Mike Rivera.) The final spot at linebacker will come down to either Koutouvides or Tracy White (who has battled injury in camp), both special teams contributors who found a niche the last couple of years.

Cornerbacks (5): Devin McCourty, Kyle Arrington, Ras-I Dowling, Sterling Moore, Marquice Cole: No surprises among the first four, who figure to be the leaders at the position, at least at the start of the season. Cole currently holds a slight edge over Will Allen -- primarily because of what he brings to the table on special teams -- but if they end up keeping six corners, Allen should make it. They find a way to sneak rookie Alfonzo Dennard through as a practice squadder.

Safeties (5): Pat Chung, Steve Gregory, James Ihedigbo, Tavon Wilson, Nate Ebner: Gregory and Chung appeared to work very well together in the preseason opener, and that partnership likely means Ihedigbo has been bumped down the depth chart. Wilson and Ebner fundamentally take the place of Sergio Brown and Josh Barrett, but Brown could end up sticking around because he has shown good special teams value in the past.

SPECIAL TEAMS (3)

Specialists (3): Zoltan Mesko, Stephen Gostkowski, Danny Aiken: No surprises here.