Patriots inactives list for Week 5 game against the Dolphins

The hits keep coming for the Patriots at the start of the 2024 season, as they lost more important members of the offense to injuries this week, some of whom will not return. On top of that bad news, there was also the rumor of a toxic locker room starting to show, making it seem like the Jerod Mayo era is off to a rougher start than imagined.

It all leads into a critical first matchup with the Dolphins on Sunday, which could put either team back on track in the division and the league. Injuries have plagued their rosters, and the seasons have not been off to the right start, making their Week 5 game more of a toss-up than a guarantee, especially for Miami.

Analysts from various outlets have more widely picked the Patriots to win this game than any other this year, which could be good or bad luck, depending on what you believe. But it does feel like a game the team could use to right the ship and add another win to their season.

Unfortunately, it won't be easy with the long list of injuries their players are dealing with.

Full inactives list for the New England Patriots

David Andrews and Caedan Wallace were both placed on injured reserve this week, with Andrews expected to be done for the year. The timeline for Wallace's return is unclear, but there is no belief he will miss the remainder of the season.

*List will be updated when final injury reports are released

Key absences and their impact

Offensive impact

Although it's not fresh news, the loss of David Andrews will be a massive hit on the already struggling offensive line, which could also make the a lot more difficult for Jacoby Brissett. The group hasn't been performing up to par since the season began, so losing their best player was the absolute last thing they needed so early in the season.

The only good news from the lead-up to this game is the reports suggesting that starting left guard Cole Strange might return much sooner than initially expected. He would be an immediate help, allowing players to move back into their natural positions, especially Michael Onwenu back at right guard.

We will see Kendrick Bourne return for the first time this season, which couldn't come at a better time with K.J. Osborn dealing with an injury. It will be interesting to see how Bourne performs after suffering a torn ACL nearly a year ago. If he's able to play up to his typical par, he could be exactly the boost the Patriots' offense needs right now.

Defensive impact

The absence of Jabrill Peppers is a significant loss for the Patriots defense, as he has already made some big plays, like last week's interception, to give the offense another opportunity. But he's also a loss to the team in general as one of the team's best captains.

The best case scenario is that he is still on the sideline for the game, so he can still be a voice for the defense as they (hopefully) get back on track this week and bring some motivation to get on the same page, an issue that he and Davon Godchaux have pointed out over the past week.

Being without Kyle Dugger is also a big hit to the secondary, even more so with Peppers out, as well. Fortunately, they will have Marte Mapu on hand, as he is set to make his 2024 season debut on Sunday. He will have quite a tall task to help make up for a depleted group of safeties, but hopefully, he can help bring some stability in their absence.

Full inactives for the Miami Dolphins

A big move for Miami ahead of this game was the activation of wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Although they're not shorthanded with offensive firepower, especially at receiver, the offense has struggled in the weeks since starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa went down with an injury, despite having Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle on the roster.

OBJ could add some much-needed help to boost their seemingly stagnant offense, even more so for third-string quarterback Tyler Huntley.

*List will be updated when final injury reports are released

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