Patriots Face Dolphins Without Three Key Receivers and Both Starting Guards

The New England Patriots will field only three healthy wide receivers on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, a roster shortage that forces a major adjustment to the offensive lineup. Injured reserve holds Romeo Doubs, Mack Hollins, and A.J. Brown, leaving Efton Chism, DeMario Douglas, and Kyle Williams as the sole available options at the position.

The injury report extended to the offensive line, where both starting guards are sidelined. Left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and right guard Mike Onwenu remain on injured reserve. Coach Mike Vrabel indicated that Matt Pryor will likely start at right guard, having performed well in the recent loss to the Bears. Walter Rouse and Ben Brown, who returned to practice this week, will compete for the left guard spot.

The team has also elevated Ryan Miller from the practice squad to the active roster. Miller, who began the season with Miami, is the most experienced option among the promoted players. He will join a group that includes undrafted rookies Cameron Dorner and Kyle Dixon, both of whom have been with the organization since May.

The absence of key skill players shifts the focus to the tight end group. Hunter Henry and rookie Eli Raridon are expected to see increased usage. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and tight ends coach Thomas Brown noted that the team will run plays typically designed for wide receivers using two-tight end sets to exploit the Dolphins' pass defense.

New England also lacks running back TreVeyon Henderson due to an illness. Rhamondre Stevenson and Corey Kiner are poised to carry the workload, with Kiner having outperformed Henderson over the last two weeks. The Patriots signed running back Lan Larison off the practice squad on Saturday, providing an additional option in the passing game.

Defensively, the Patriots will have their starting secondary for the first time since Week 1 with the return of Carlton Davis III from a neck injury. The team aims to correct a turnover problem that ranks 31st in the league. The offense has thrown eight interceptions and lost six fumbles this season, while the defense has recorded only seven takeaways.

The Dolphins enter the game with a 1-5 record and rank seventh in rushing yards per game at 131.5. The Patriots are favored by seven points in a contest with a 43.5 over/under.