Patriots Face Thin Roster Against Dolphins

The New England Patriots will field a depleted receiving corps and an untested offensive line when they travel to play the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The team is missing wide receivers Romeo Doubs, Mack Hollins, and A.J. Brown, all of whom are on injured reserve. This leaves Efton Chism, DeMario Douglas, and Kyle Williams as the only healthy options on the 53-man roster. The Patriots are expected to promote a receiver from the practice squad, with Ryan Miller, Chandler Brayboy, Cameron Dorner, and Kyle Dixon among the candidates. Miller, who began the season with Miami, is the most experienced choice.

The offensive line presents a separate hurdle. Both starting guards, Alijah Vera-Tucker and Mike Onwenu, are out with injuries. Matt Pryor is slated to start at right guard, having received praise from head coach Mike Vrabel for his performance against the Bears. Walter Rouse and Ben Brown, who returned to practice after a knee injury, will compete for the left guard spot. Brown has more experience in that role if he is fully healthy. The lack of depth at wide receiver may force the offense to lean heavily on tight ends Hunter Henry and Eli Raridon. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels noted that the team can run wide receiver sets with their two-tight end group.

The Dolphins, currently 1-5, offer a favorable matchup for the passing game but a difficult one on the ground. Miami’s pass defense is vulnerable, with cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. allowing a 158.3 passer rating this season. However, the Dolphins rank seventh in the league with 131.5 rushing yards per game. The Patriots’ defense is 22nd in expected points added per rush, a statistic that could be exploited by Miami running back Ollie Gordon. The Patriots are favored by seven points in this contest, with the over/under set at 43.5 points.

New England’s defense should benefit from the return of Carlton Davis III, who is expected to play after a neck injury. His return would complete the starting secondary for the first time since Week 1. The Patriots also face a turnover issue that head coach Mike Vrabel has described as an embarrassment. The team ranks 31st in turnover ratio with a minus-seven differential. The offense has committed eight interceptions and six lost fumbles, while the defense has forced only seven takeaways through seven games. Miami has forced just five turnovers this season, providing a chance for New England to limit mistakes.

Vrabel praised the Dolphins’ preparation and their head coach, Jeff Hafley, during the week. He noted that Miami runs the ball, uses motion on every play, and features veteran defenders like Jordyn Brooks and Chop Robinson. The Patriots will look to limit turnovers and manage their offensive line challenges to secure a victory over their divisional rivals.