Changes could be coming for the Miami Dolphins as they prepare to face the New England Patriots on Sunday in Foxborough, Mass.
Miami (1-3) has been feeling the loss of starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa over the past two weeks, getting outscored 55-15 in losses to the Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans.
With Tagovailoa on injured reserve because of a concussion sustained in a Week 2 setback against the Buffalo Bills, Tyler Huntley started under center against Tennessee on Monday. He threw for just 96 yards on 14-of-22 passing as the Dolphins fell 31-12.
Even though Miami beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-17 in its season opener, it didn’t lead until Jason Sanders booted a 52-yard field goal as time expired. Since then, the Dolphins haven’t been able to get 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’s on the table,” Miami coach Mike McDaniel said following the loss against the Titans. “You can’t argue that the offense is good. … In a situation like this, I hadn’t really been in one where we haven’t had production consecutively like this.
“So, you really have to open your mind to all things.”
Still, Huntley is expected to draw the start 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 during Monday’s game.
“I know that my purpose 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. “There is nothing in life that you can’t overcome as long as you don’t quit.”
Moving in a different direction offensively is also something that the Patriots are considering.
Lead back Rhamondre Stevenson, who started his season with a promising 120-yard performance on the ground against the Cincinnati Bengals, has been struggling to hang on to the ball. He has one fumble in each of his four games, two of which have been recovered by opposing defenses.
Because of those issues, Antonio Gibson could end up serving as RB1 on Sunday.
“That’s definitely under consideration,” New England coach Jerod Mayo said of moving Gibson up on the depth chart. “I’ve had multiple conversations with Rhamondre. But look, we can’t preach that ball security is job security and still have him out there the majority of the time.
“So, I think it sends a stronger message to the players that there are certain things that we just can’t do to win, especially with the team that we have today.”
Whoever starts at running back will have to get to work behind an offensive line that is now without center David Andrews. The nine-year veteran needs shoulder surgery that will sideline him for the rest of the season. Mayo said Friday that Andrews and right tackle Caedan Wallace (ankle) will go on injured reserve.
Like Miami, the Patriots have followed a season-opening victory with a three-game losing streak, most recently getting pounded by the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, 30-13. Gibson was New England’s leading receiver, hauling in three catches for 67 yards.
The Patriots will be without starting safety Jabrill Peppers, who was ruled out on Saturday with a shoulder injury after a pair of limited practices.
Safety Kyle Dugger (ankle) and wide receiver K.J. Osborn (shoulder) didn’t practice for New England all week and are questionable. Receiver Kendrick Bourne (knee), cornerback Jonathan Jones (shoulder) and guard/center Nick Leverett (ankle), Andrews’ replacement, were among those who remained limited at practice Friday and are listed as questionable. Linebacker Sione Takitaki (knee) is doubtful after three limited practices this week.
Dolphins safety Jordan Poyer missed practice all week due to a shin injury and was ruled out. Running back Raheem Mostert (chest) returned to full practice Friday and is expected to play Sunday. Backup QB Skylar Thompson (ribs) was limited all week and is questionable, as is corner Cam Smith (hamstring), who practiced all week.
Veteran receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who had his first full practice with the Dolphins on Thursday and practiced in full again on Friday, was activated from the physically unable to perform list on Saturday and is set to make his team debut on Sunday.
Beckham, 31, signed a one-year, $8.25 million deal with Miami in May, but the three-time Pro Bowler missed the first four games of the season after he was placed on the PUP list with a knee injury.
