Report: Miami Dolphins make key roster moves ahead of Sunday Night Football vs. New England Patriots

The Miami Dolphins are elevating defensive end Chase Winovich and linebacker Cameron Goode from the practice squad for their Week 2 game against the New England Patriots on Sunday.

The Dolphins also have signed defensive tackle Da’Shawn Hand to the active roster.

The moves could be an indication that pass rusher Jaelan Phillips will be unable to play in the Sunday night contest. The linebacker is listed as questionable after reportedly injuring his back in practice on Friday. He had 11 total tackles and 0.5 sacks in Miami’s 36-34 season-opening win at the Los Angeles Chargers last week.

Miami also waived safety Verone McKinley III.

Winovich played three seasons for the Patriots from 2019 through 2021 and played last season for the Cleveland Browns. Sunday would be his debut for the Dolphins and 54th NFL game overall.

Goode made his NFL debut in the Week 1 win against the Chargers. He was a seventh-round pick (No. 224 overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Hand signed with the Dolphins in August after stints with the Detroit Lions and Tennessee Titans. McKinley played in 10 games for Miami last season.

The Dolphins also could have one of their best offensive linemen in the lineup with tackle Terron Armstead possible to return after sitting out the season opener. He practiced this week and is listed as questionable after getting injured and having to be carted away from the sideline during a joint practice last month.

Defensive back Elijah Campbell and tight end Julian Hill also are listed as questionable.

Otherwise, the Dolphins look to be at full strength heading into their first AFC East matchup of the season. Miami made quite a statement to start the campaign, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa throwing for 466 yards and wide receiver Tyreek Hill accumulating 215 receiving yards on 11 receptions in the come-from-behind win.

The Dolphins will be looking to continue a recent run of success against the Patriots, having won three of the past four games against their rivals. They also are looking to start 2-0 for a second straight season and have adjusted their roster on the defensive side of the ball in an attempt to make that happen.