Report: Miami Dolphins to be without 4 crucial offensive starters in game vs. New England Patriots

The Miami Dolphins will be short-handed when they take on the New England Patriots on Sunday, with four key offensive players ruled out of the contest.

DeVante Parker’s absence from the game contradicts an earlier report which indicated that he was likely to see action. Parker left last Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs with a hamstring injury.

In addition, the passing game of the Dolphins will also be seriously affected by the absences of wide receiver Jakeem Grant and tight end Mike Gesicki. The combination of Parker, Grant and Gesicki have collected 131 receptions on the year.

The absences of so many key personnel on offense will add to the burden of Dolphins rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa as he seeks to lead the team in a pivotal divisional battle.

Not having Ereck Flowers protecting Tagovailoa will also heighten the challenge for the rookie. Earlier this month, Flowers was carted off the field for what turned out to be a sprained ankle, with the lineman’s agent indicating that he might return later in the month.