Injuries: Aaron Hernandez returns for Patriots

Injury updates around the NFL as Sunday's Week 6 action approaches:

— New York Giants wideout Hakeem Nicks (knee/foot) is active today as his team takes on the San Francisco 49ers.

— Tight end Aaron Hernandez is back for the New England Patriots today, the first time he's been active since suffering an ankle injury in Week 2. Wideout Wes Welker, who was listed as questionable like Hernandez, is also in the lineup.

— Despite suffering a concussion last weekend, Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III will start today. However Pierre Garcon's foot injury will keep him out again. The Minnesota Vikings will be without wideout Jerome Simpson, who's struggled with a back injury.

— Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton is active for the first time since suffering an ankle sprain in Week 1, however Kevin Kolb remains the Cards' starter under center.

— The New York Jets will have tight end Dustin Keller and rookie wideout Stephen Hill back on the field after recovering from hamstring injuries, perhaps reducing pressure on quarterback Mark Sanchez. It is likely that Keller could see most of his snaps on third down as coach Rex Ryan looks to ease Sanchez's favorite target back into the lineup without risking a setback. "We're going to be smart about it,'' Ryan said during the week. "We're not going to drop him in for 60 snaps. But he'll be out there for sure.'' The Jets will be without nose tackle Sione Pouha. The Indianapolis Colts activated corner Vontae Davis (ankle), but he's not in the starting lineup.

— Detroit Lions safety Louis Delmas will make his 2012 debut after being waylaid by preseason knee surgery, and the defense could certainly use his leadership and playmaking ability.

— The Cleveland Browns are without two starting defenders: linebacker Scott Fujita (shoulder/neck) and lineman Ahtyba Rubin (lower left leg).

— After suffering a Week 3 concussion, Oakland Raiders WR Darrius Heyward-Bey will play today in Atlanta.

— Dallas Cowboys nose tackle Jay Ratliff is playing for the first time this season, but the team won't have center Ryan Cook (hamstring) nor linebacker Anthony Spencer. Guard Bobbie Williams has moved into the Baltimore Ravens' starting lineup.

— Cornerback E.J. Biggers is starting for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a day after Aqib Talib was suspended four four weeks.

***

Contributing: USA TODAY Sports' Jim Corbett