BY JIM DONALDSON
Journal Sports Writer

FOXBORO -- As if the New England defense wasn't hurting already -- with standout linebacker Adalius Thomas out of action, veteran strong safety Rodney Harrison on Injured Reserve, and cornerbacks Lewis Sanders and Terrence Wheatley inactive for tonight's game against New York -- down lineman Ty Warren won't play tonight, either, as the Pats battle the Jets for first place in the AFC East.

Warren's absence, along with Thomas', figures to make it even more difficult for the Patriots to contain Jets running back Thomas Jones, who is averaging 4.7 yards a carry, having rushed for 750 yards and 8 TDs on 160 attempts.

If Jones is able to run consistently, it should open up the passing game for future Hall of Famer Brett Favre, who could have a big night against New England's suspect secondary.

On the flip side, running back Sammy Morris is slated to return to action tonight for the first time since the Denver game. He'll join rookie BenJarvus Green-Ellis -- a pleasant surprise, considering he was undrafted, who rushed for 104 yards and a TD on 26 carries in Sunday's win over Buffalo -- in trying to enable the Pats to continue to have the edge in time of possession, as they have in recent games.

With the ailing defense vulnerable, it will be more important than ever for New England to control the ball tonight, keeping it out of the hands of Favre and Jones.