Changes could be coming for the Miami Dolphins as they prepare to face the New England Patriots on Sunday in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Miami (1-3) felt the loss of starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa over the past two weeks, trailing 55-15 losses to the Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans. With Tagovailoa on injured reserve due to a concussion suffered in a Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Tyler Huntley started at center against Tennessee on Monday. He threw for just 96 yards on 14-of-22 passing as the Dolphins fell 31-12. Although Miami defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-17 in its season opener, it did not take the lead until Jason Sanders scored a 52-yard field goal as time expired. Since then, the Dolphins have failed to gain the upper hand on their opponent, making them the first team since the 2017 Cleveland Browns to never hold a lead through the first four games of a season. “Everything is on the table,” Miami coach Mike McDaniel said after the loss to the Titans. “You can’t say the offense is good. … In a situation like this, I haven’t really been in a situation where we haven’t had back-to-back production like this . “So you really have to open your mind. Still, Huntley is expected to draw against New England (1-3). The Dolphins will also have to adjust to life without linebacker Jaelan Phillips, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the game Monday. “I know my goal is to inspire people to never give up, no matter how many times you get knocked down,” Phillips said Wednesday in a social media post. nothing in life that you can’t overcome until you give up. » The Patriots also plan to take a different offensive direction. Fullback Rhamondre Stevenson, who opened his season with a promising 120-yard rushing performance against the Cincinnati Bengals, is having trouble hanging on. On the ball, he committed a fumble in each of his four games, two of which were recovered by opposing defenses. Because of these issues, Antonio Gibson could end up serving as the RB1 on Sunday. “It’s definitely under consideration,” New England coach Jerod Mayo said of Gibson’s move up the depth chart. “I’ve had several conversations with Rhamondre. But look, we can’t preach that ball security is job security and he’s still there most of the time. “So, I think that sends a message. stronger message to players: There are some things we just can’t do to win, especially with the team we have today. » Whoever starts as a running back will have to get to work behind an offensive line that is now without center David Andrews. The veteran of the year needs shoulder surgery that will sideline him for the rest of the season. Mayo said Friday that Andrews and right tackle Caedan Wallace (ankle) would be placed on injured reserve. Like Miami, the Patriots followed a season-opening victory with a score of three. -a losing streak, recently beaten by the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, 30-13. Gibson was New England’s leading receiver, hauling in three catches for 67 yards to safety Kyle Dugger (ankle), wide receiver KJ Osborn (shoulder). , Andrews and Wallace did not practice for New England on Wednesday and Thursday. Eleven players were limited Thursday, including wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (knee), safety Jabrill Peppers (shoulder), cornerback Jonathan Jones (shoulder) and guard/center Nick Leverett (ankle), Andrews’ backup. Dolphins safety Jordan Poyer missed Wednesday’s practice — which was a walk-through so attendance was an estimate — and Thursday with a shin injury. Offensive tackle Terron Armstead and cornerback Kendall Fuller are dealing with concussions and were limited Wednesday, but both were full participants Thursday. Running back Raheem Mostert (chest) was limited both days. Veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. had his first full practice with the Dolphins on Thursday. Beckham, 31, signed a one-year, $8.25 million contract with Miami in May, but missed the first four games of the season after being placed on the physically disabled list. due to a knee injury. Beckham is eligible to play Sunday against the Patriots, and McDaniel said the three-time Pro Bowl selection could make his season debut depending on how he practices Friday. –Field level media
