The New England Patriots are relatively healthy entering week 14. Every single player on their 53-man roster practiced this week and not one was listed as “out” on Friday’s final injury report. However, this has since changed: the Patriots announced yesterday that tight end Dwayne Allen has been downgraded from “questionable” to “out” and that he will miss today’s game against the Miami Dolphins due to a knee injury.
With Allen unavailable again, the Patriots will likely once again use a heavy dose of Rob Gronkowski when it comes to run blocking and pass protecting. Gronkowski, however, is no downgrade in this part of the game: despite his receiving numbers being down this season, his blocking is as stellar as ever and he is still among the NFL’s best when it comes to keeping defenders away from a play.
Fullback James Develin, who scored two rushing touchdowns last week against the Minnesota Vikings, might also see an increased snap count again — particularly in the running game. Allen, meanwhile, is not yet ready to come off the knee injury he suffered in week 10 against the Tennessee Titans. Given his practice participation record the last two weeks, however, it appears likely that he will return soon.
In other injury-related news: Stephon Gilmore has reportedly made the trip to Miami and appears to be a game-time decision to play. The Patriots’ number one cornerback was the second player listed on New England’s injury report on Friday after he apparently injured his ankle during practice. Gilmore is questionable to be active today but him flying with the team to Florida is a good sign when it comes to his availability.
If Gilmore can not go or will be on a snap count, the Patriots might once again use J.C. Jackson extensively. The undrafted rookie looked good as the team’s number three cornerback last week against the Vikings. However, it would also not be a surprise to see New England’s star cornerback be a full go today.