A lot has been going on in the week leading up to the Patriots' season finale against the Dolphins, most of which, unfortunately, has not focused on their upcoming task of ending the year with another win.
On the bright side of things, though, are the impending returns of LT Will Campbell and DT Milton Williams, who are both coming off injured reserve and are expected to get some playing time on Sunday for the first time in over a month. It couldn't be happening against a better opponent, as the Dolphins are not exactly competitive at this point.
Making matters worse for Miami is their final injury report before Sunday's matchup, since they have already ruled out S Minkah Fitzpatrick, and perhaps their best offensive weapon is trending toward missing the final game.
The Patriots might have an easier time against the Dolphins than expected in Week 18
RB De'Von Achane has been a problem for defenses since he was drafted three years ago, and had a near record-setting season in 2025 by recording 238 carries for 1,350 yards and eight touchdowns in 16 games. On top of that, he's added 67 receptions for 488 yards and four scores.
He would be a potential problem for the Patriots' run defense this weekend, but he's reportedly dealing with a shoulder injury that is likely to keep him sidelined for the matchup, along with a long list of other questionable designations for several of his teammates.
Final injury report of the week for the Patriots and Dolphins pic.twitter.com/Rv2iqscH7u
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) January 2, 2026
The Dolphins officially declared Achane doubtful for the game, and one of the more notable names deemed questionable that could help the Patriots if they are sidelined is WR Jaylen Waddle, along with TE Darren Waller, who was placed on injured reserve earlier in the week.
With Tyreek Hill already done for the season and Tua Tagovailoa replaced by Quinn Ewers, this Miami team is going to be much different than the group the Patriots faced in Week 2.
That's a massive benefit to their returning injured players, along with (hopefully) helping them to get an easy win before the playoffs begin. They'll need a win to remain in contention for the No. 1 seed, and have to cross their fingers that the Broncos fall to the Chargers to move up the ladder.
If not, a win still means they will be the No. 2 seed, which isn't a bad place to be, especially considering nobody believed they would be playoff-bound this year.