MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins will be without their three lead receivers – DeVante Parker (hamstring), Mike Gesicki (shoulder) and Jakeem Grant (hamstring) – Sunday vs. the New England Patriots.
Tua Tagovailoa will lead a very young host corps made up of rookies Lynn Bowden Jr. and Malcolm Perry, special teams featured by Mack Hollins, veteran Isaiah Ford, who was just signed up and promoted from the exhibition squad, and Antonio Callaway.
Parker’s most surprising absence, as there was a lot of confidence on Saturday night that he could play with what was described as a minor hamstring injury. It’s unclear whether there has been a setback or change, but Parker will miss his first game of the season.
Parker, Gesicki and Grant combined accounted for 1,609 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns this season – more than half of the Dolphins’ total allotment in both categories. That’s a huge loss of production in a very important game for the 8-5 Dolphins as they try to keep their spot in the playoff picture.
The dolphins will also be without starting left guard Ereck Flowers for the second consecutive week with a high ankle sprain. Veteran Jesse Davis will start for him.
There was good news for the Dolphins on Sunday morning when the backsliding Salvon Ahmed, security Bobby McCain and linebackers Kyle Van Noy, Elandon Roberts and Jerome Baker are all active despite being questionable with their injuries.
Ahmed, who returned after missing the last three games with a shoulder injury. Matt Breida is also returning to action after missing the last two games due to reserve / COVID-19 protocols. Both are expected to occupy much of Dolphins’ backfield with Myles Gaskin currently on the reserve / COVID-19 list unable to play.