MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins (0-1) will look for their first victory of the 2025 season when they welcome the New England Patriots (0-1) at 1 p.m. ET on Sept. 14 at Hard Rock Stadium for their home opener.
Head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed to local reporters Friday that the team will be without four key players: right tackle Austin Jackson (toe); cornerback Storm Duck (ankle); nose tackle Benito Jones (oblique); and tight end Darren Waller (hip), who has yet to make his Dolphins debut since coming out of retirement to sign a one-year contract.
Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (shoulder), who was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday, was a full participant Friday and is good to go.
Running back Jaylen Wright (knee), a Week 1 inactive, is doubtful to make his season debut.
The Dolphins are hoping for a much better result than in Week 1, when they suffered a 25-point loss, managed just 12 first downs and 211 net yards, and turned the ball over three times.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has never lost to the Patriots in his six-year career, but Sunday will mark the first time the Dolphins will face head coach Mike Vrabel on New England’s sideline.
Vrabel took over for Jerod Mayo on Jan. 12.
Vrabel announced Friday the Patriots will be without superstar cornerback Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) for the second straight week.
Gonzalez injured his hamstring on July 28 and hasn’t returned to practice since.
The Patriots will also be without defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, who, according to Vrabel, will be away from the team “for the next few days” due to “unforeseen ongoings.”
Inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr will call the plays for the defense.
Kuhr spent four seasons in various roles under Vrabel when he was head coach of the Tennessee Titans.
A Week 2 win would make McDaniel the first head coach in franchise history to win six of his first seven games against New England, and it would make Tagovailoa the second quarterback in NFL history to win each of his first eight starts against the Patriots, joining Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway.
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