Reports have trickled out of Gillette Stadium regarding New England Patriots players that will not be suiting up against the Miami Dolphins. The official inactives list will be released closer to the game.
CB Eric Rowe (ankle) was declared OUT on Friday.
TE Rob Gronkowski (hamstring) was reported OUT on Sunday morning.
OG Jonathan Cooper (foot) was spotted going home, per ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
LB Dont’a Hightower (knee) was spotted going home, also per Reiss.
TE AJ Derby (healthy) was spotted going home, also per Reiss.
DT Anthony Johnson (healthy) is not expected to play, also per Reiss.
OL LaAdrian Waddle (healthy) is not expected to play.
Gronkowski and Derby out means that TE Martellus Bennett and TE Clay Harbor are the two tight ends today. The Patriots will focus their attention on a quick passing game with wide receivers. Look for Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, Danny Amendola, and Malcolm Mitchell to be very involved.
RB D.J. Foster and LB Elandon Roberts were healthy scratches in week 1, but both are active this week. LT Nate Solder returns this week, too.
CB Malcolm Butler, OT Marcus Cannon, ED Trey Flowers, WR Chris Hogan, OG Shaq Mason, ED Shea McClellin, and OT Nate Solder are the other players listed on Friday’s injury report.
#Patriots inactives. #MIAvsNE pic.twitter.com/5AoEE0SCBy
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 18, 2016
#Dolphins inactives. #MIAvsNE pic.twitter.com/6o9F3rOPY6
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 18, 2016