Patriots inactives list for Week 12 game against the Dolphins

The Patriots have a big chance to spoil the postseason hopes of the Dolphins on Sunday by stealing a win in Miami and splitting the season with another divisional rival. It won't be an easy task since the last time they met in Week 5, they had a lot of injuries on their team. But the Patriots also looked different and should have a better chance with Drake Maye at quarterback.

It will be fascinating to see how the rookie handles the hostile environment, not just because it's in enemy territory but also because the Patriots have not been great when playing at Hard Rock Stadium over the years.

If Maye can show that it isn't too much of a factor for him, that would be an even better sign for the future than just him being the quarterback.

Regardless, it will be a tough day with Tua Tagovailoa back in the lineup and the offense he is surrounded with. Typically, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are the main weapons that need to be accounted for, but tight end and former Patriot Jonnu Smith has had a breakout in recent weeks, so it will be just as important to shut him down as the others.

Hopefully, the defense will be up to the challenge.

Full Inactives List for the New England Patriots

Key absences and their impact

Offensive impact

The return of Cole Strange will be put on hold for at least one more week, as the left guard finally returned to practice last week for the first time this season. He was not activated for this game, so we already know he won't be on the field, making Vederian Lowe's availability much more important.

Although the offensive line has been a consistent issue this year, it seems like the Patriots have found their ideal starting lineup, which includes Lowe as the starting left tackle. He has dealt with his fair share of injuries this year but has been pretty solid on the left side for Maye so far.

Defensive impact

Having so many defensive players listed as questionable is never a good thing for any team, but the Patriots would be a possible disaster if Deatrich Wise Jr. and Christian Gonzalez don't suit up for Sunday's game. It would be even worse if Kyle Dugger and Keion White don't play as well, as that would essentially eliminate any pass rush and any sort of secondary consistency against a high-powered offense like the Dolphins.

Fortunately, Gonzalez popped up on the injury report late in the week, hopefully meaning his injury isn't too serious. On the other hand, Wise didn't practice much last week and was only limited on Friday. That doesn't bode well for his chances to be on the field for this game.

Both participated in pre-game workouts, hinting that they would be game-time decisions.

UPDATE:

Full Inactives List for the Miami Dolphins

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