Since Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion in week 2 against the Bills, the Dolphins have lost three games without their star QB leading the line. Even before their week 5 clash against the Patriots, the injuries in the squad didn’t go away, as the Dolphins released the latest injury report. Although there are a few positives, the complete picture doesn’t give them a major boost going to New England.

As reported by Adam Beasley, Dolphins head coach, Mike McDaniel expressed that offensive tackle Terron Armstead and CB Kendall Fuller may play on Sunday after clearing their concussion protocols. However, safety Jordan Poyer, who injured his shin last week, may not make it on time. But McDaniel did say that Jordan Poyer is a warrior who can play through anything if he wants to.

Poyer missing consecutive practices building up to Sunday’s clash in Foxborough doesn’t seem to resonate with his warrior capabilities. Well, if Jordan Poyer is going to be absent this weekend, it might offer a chance for Marcus Maye to get paired alongside Jevon Holland. Amid all the news surrounding Poyer, Armstead and Fuller’s involvement ahead of the Patriots clash. Mike McDaniel may have offered the biggest news yet that could bring them a much-needed boost in their struggling offense.

Well, it’s the availability of 3-time Pro Bowler Odell Beckham Jr., who remained absent for the first four games this season. But where was he? After getting his knee surgery during the offseason, Beckham Jr. was added to the list of physically unable to perform, which has kept him out until now. However, as McDaniel expressed, “he did a good job Thursday. He looked good. It was a very positive day in that aspect for him.” The Phins may get to see Odell making his debut after he signed his one-year contract this summer.

With Beckham nearing a return to full fitness, RB Raheem Mostert may also come back after his chest injury in the opening week, “If no setbacks occur today, then there’s a strong chance that we’ll be able to see him vs Patriots.” Although the Dolphins remain optimistic about getting key players back before the Patriots clash, the home team is going through their own problems at the treatment table.

New England Patriots missing key players ahead of Dolphins clash this weekend

Based upon the latest injury report that came out of New England, WR K.J. Osborn, OT Caedan Wallace, center David Andrews and safety Kyle Dugger may not play this Sunday. Among all the players, Andrews’ absence is the one that could hurt the Patriots most as they progress through the season. His shoulder injury last week may require surgery that could keep him out for the remainder of this season. Even Dolphins LB Jaelan Phillips could require surgery after his knee injury against the Titans.

Other players who remained limited participants before taking on the Dolphins are WR Kendrick Bourne, OT Vederian Lowe, guard Layden Robinson, guard Michael Jordan, LB Anfernee Jennings, LB Sione Takitaki, CB Jonathan Jones, safety Jabrill Peppers and Marte Mapu. Peppers has been a non-participant since injuring his shoulders against the 49ers. Among those who were recently added to the injury list is Jones, who suffered a groin issue building up to the clash this week.

With the Patriots and Dolphins both struggling to get going this season. This clash is a huge opportunity for them to get back into the winning column. However, seeing both franchises having so many key players out with injuries, it could be a game of close margins in the AFC East.