Three days after their 24-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, the New England Patriots returned to work: the team held its first practice session of the week today, starting preparations for its upcoming meeting with the Miami Dolphins. And as a look at today’s injury report shows, the Patriots appear to be the healthier of the two teams right now.
Did not participate
Dolphins: CB Xavien Howard (knee), DE Cameron Wake (not injury related)
Two of Miami’s best defenders missed today’s practice session, with Howard in particular a noteworthy absentee. The 25-year old is arguably the Dolphins’ best defender and would be a tremendous loss if unable to go on Sunday. Wake, meanwhile, will play on Sunday.
Limited participation
Patriots: TE Dwayne Allen (knee), QB Tom Brady (knee), SS Patrick Chung (shoulder), TE Rob Gronkowski (ankle/back)
Dolphins: WR Danny Amendola (knee), CB Cornell Armstrong (knee), OC Jake Brendel (calf), RB Kenyan Drake (shoulder), WR DeVante Parker (shoulder), OC Travis Swanson (ankle)
After removing them from the injury report last week, the Patriots added Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski back as limited participants. That being said, there is likely no cause for concern: both players finished Sunday’s game against the Vikings without noticeable issues and should be good to go versus Miami.
The same cannot definitively be said about Dwayne Allen, who missed the last two games, and Patrick Chung. The latter also is a new addition the report after apparently hurting his shoulder either against Minnesota or in practice today. Chung is a core member of New England’s secondary, so this is a situation worth keeping an eye on. However, he held a press conference today so his injury will likely not have a major impact.
Full participation
Dolphins: OT Ja’Wuan James (knee), FS Reshad Jones (knee), OG Ted Larsen (neck), CB Bobby McCain (knee), QB Ryan Tannehill (right shoulder), OT Laremy Tunsil (knee)
The six Dolphins listed as full participants will all be good to go on Sunday.