Patriots-Dolphins Injury Report: Why Marcus Jones Missed Practice?

New England lists seven non-participants for their first practice heading into their Week 17 matchup with the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium.

FOXBORO — The first official injury and practice participation report of Week 17 provided both questions and answers for the New England Patriots.

Needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, the Patriots listed seven non-participants for Wednesday’s practice as they prepare to take on the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Jan. 1 at Gillette Stadium.

Here is Wednesday afternoon’s full report, along with its implications for this Week 17 matchup:

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (7-8)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
T Yodny Cajuste, Illness
CB Jack Jones, Knee
DB Marcus Jones, Concussion
CB Jalen Mills, Groin
WR DeVante Parker, Concussion
SpT Matthew Slater, Not Injury Related / Rest
TE Jonnu Smith, Concussion

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
RB Damien Harris, Thigh
TE Hunter Henry, Knee
CB Jonathan Jones, Chest
RB Rhamondre Stevenson, Ankle
WR Tyquan Thornton, Knee

What it means for New England:

As wide receiver DeVante Parker enters his third week in concussion protocol, he was joined by tight end Jonnu Smith, and rookie defensive back Marcus Jones — all of whom did not participate in practice. 

Parker has been inactive since leaving New England’s Week 13 victory over the Arizona Cardinals under controversial circumstances. However, Smith is a new entry to the report, having been forced from New England’s 22-18 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals late in the second-half after suffering a head injury. 

Perhaps the most surprising entry on Wednesday’s report was Jones, who has arguably been the Patriots most electrifying player in all three phases. While the timing and manner in which he sustained a head injury remains unclear, it should be noted that the rookie remained down on the field after recovering a fumble late in last Saturday’s loss to the Bengals. Jones’ potential loss for Week 17 would habe significant implications for the Pats’ return game (both punt and kick returns) as well as their defense. Cornerbacks Jalen Mills (groin) and Jack Jones (knee) did not participate in practice, while veteran Jonathan Jones was limited due to a chest injury. 

New England did get some good news on Wednesday, as tight end Hunter Henry practiced with the team, albeit in a limited capacity. The team’s top tight end is considered day-to-day with a right knee injury with ‘a chance’ to play against theDolphins this weekend.

MIAMI DOLPHINS (8-7)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
T Terron Armstead, Toe / Pec / Knee / Hip
LB Bradley Chubb, Ankle / Hand
WR River Cracraft, Calf
T Eric Fisher, Calf
FB Alec Ingold, Thumb
LB Melvin Ingram, Not Injury Related - Vet Rest
RB Raheem Mostert, Not Injury Related - Vet Rest
QB Tua Tagovailoa, Concussion

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
S Clayton Fejedelem, Knee
LB Jaelan Phillips, Toe
S Eric Rowe, Quad / Knee

FULL PARTICIPATION
QB Teddy Bridgewater, Knee
CB Kader Kohou, Thumb

What it means for Miami:

With incumbent starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa having been unofficially been ruled out by Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel due to a concussion, eight-year veteran Teddy Bridgewater will start in his stead. Despite his status as a full participant, Bridgewater’s health is worth monitoring, as well. Until last week’s loss to the Green Bay Packers, he had been inactive for four weeks due to a knee injury.

Offensive tackle Terron Armstead was listed as a non-participant with a litany of injuries, while linebacker Bradley Chubb (arguably Miami’s most-potent pass rusher) was sidelined with both ankle and hand injuries. The practice status for each player will be closely monitored on Thursday, in hopes of gaining some insight as to whether they may be in jeopardy of missing Sunday’s contest. 

Kickoff between the Patriots and Dolphins is set for 1 p.m. on Jan. 1 from Gillette Stadium. 

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Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL and Listen/Subscribe to his daily podcast: Locked On Patriots

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