Hard Rock Stadium, September 12, 2025
News Summary
The Miami Dolphins host the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium for their home opener. Both teams are looking to recover from disappointing Week 1 losses. Key players are out for the Dolphins, including tight end Darren Waller and others, while the Patriots also have significant injuries affecting their lineup. Both teams hope to improve their performances in this critical early-season matchup.
Miami — Dolphins Get Ready to Host Patriots in Home Opener
Hard Rock Stadium sets the stage Sunday as the Dolphins aim to recover from a rough start
Think of this as a big tournament back nine where every shot counts. The Miami Dolphins step onto their home turf this Sunday for the season home opener, and the stakes feel like a match play hole—one mistake and the momentum swings fast. The opponent across the line is the New England Patriots, who themselves stumbled in Week 1. Both teams are licking wounds and looking to make a quick turn.
The Dolphins are under pressure after an embarrassing loss opening week. Confidence can be fragile in September, just like a short putt on a breezy afternoon. There are a handful of key absences that make the lineup feel a little thin: tight end Darren Waller will miss his second straight game with a hip injury, and the blocking front is shuffled without right tackle Austin Jackson and guard James Daniels, who is out with a pectoral injury. Defensive tackle Benito Jones is also sidelined with an oblique issue. On the brighter side, wideout Jaylen Waddle looks set to play despite a shoulder that limited him in practice, so the offense won’t be completely missing its swing man.
To patch the offensive line and bring some experience, Miami added former Patriots lineman Cole Strange this week. Consider that a mid-round signing to steady the tee shot—nothing flashy, but sometimes steady play keeps you in the fairway.
New England arrives under a cloud on and off the field
The Patriots opened the season with a 20-13 loss, a performance that on paper looked like a bogey. This marks the debut of Mike Vrabel as their head coach, and so far the vibes have been rocky. The offense mustered only 13 points in Week 1. Quarterback Drake Maye had a tough first showing, feeling pressure and missing easier throws—like a golfer leaving short putts that should have dropped. The offensive line drew criticism for poor run fit and struggles on screen plays. Rookie left tackle Will Campbell, the fourth overall pick in the 2025 draft, had a bumpy start with penalties and a play that led to a strip sack.
Despite adding weapons like Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, New England didn’t get much out of that arsenal in the opener. One bright spot was receiver Kayshon Boutte, who hauled in six catches for 103 yards—an opening-round ace that showed up when needed. On defense, the Patriots allowed Geno Smith to throw for 362 yards, which is the kind of long day that makes a coach grind for answers.
There are injury questions for New England as well; cornerback Christian Gonzalez is expected to miss with a hamstring problem, and pass rusher Keion White is out due to illness. Those absences make coverage and pressure a little less reliable—like losing a top short-game player in a foursome.
Matchup notes and what to watch
- Quarterback play: Can Miami get back to crisp timing, and will Drake Maye shake off pressure and look like the draft-day talent many expect?
- Offensive lines: Both units had issues in Week 1; whoever steadies up will control the tempo like a good driver sets up the approach.
- Playmakers: With Waddle likely active, Miami’s passing attack has a chance to stretch the field. New England needs to get the new receivers involved quickly.
- Turnovers and penalties: Early mistakes change games. Avoid those and you keep the ball on the fairway.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium. Expect a crowd looking for its team to rebound and a Patriots crew trying to steady the ship in Mike Vrabel’s first full test.
Insider feel from the press and talk shows
A reporter who covered the Patriots’ opener discussed the matchup recently on a sports podcast, emphasizing that New England’s offense needs rhythm and that there’s concern about whether the coaching staff can right the ship quickly. That chatter adds heat to what already feels like an important early-season test.
Bottom line — golf-style take
Think of Sunday as an early-season stroke-play round: minimize mistakes, keep the ball in play, and take advantage when the other side gives you a short birdie putt. For fans who love strategy and momentum, this one should read like a classic duel where course management matters more than fireworks.
FAQ
Who plays Sunday and when is kickoff?
The Miami Dolphins host the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. ET.
Which key Dolphins are out or limited?
Tight end Darren Waller is out with a hip injury. Right tackle Austin Jackson and guard James Daniels are not available, and defensive tackle Benito Jones is sidelined. Jaylen Waddle is expected to play despite a limited practice due to a shoulder issue.
What’s the Patriots’ status after Week 1?
The Patriots lost their opener 20-13. Their offense struggled to score, the rookie left tackle had a tough debut, and there are injuries to key defenders.
Any newcomers to watch?
Miami added former Patriots offensive lineman Cole Strange to bolster the front. On New England’s side, arrivals include Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, though they didn’t get much production in Week 1.
What should fans expect?
Expect a physical, strategy-heavy game where mistakes will decide the outcome. Both teams need cleaner execution to win.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Miami Dolphins vs New England Patriots |
| Venue | Hard Rock Stadium |
| Kickoff | 1 p.m. ET |
| Key Dolphins out/limited | Darren Waller (hip) out; Austin Jackson (RT) out; James Daniels (guard) out; Benito Jones (oblique) out; Jaylen Waddle limited but expected to play |
| Key Patriots out/limited | Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) expected out; Keion White (illness) out |
| Notable additions | Cole Strange added to Dolphins’ O-line; Patriots added Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins in the offseason |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- NESN: Dolphins WR to Play, Former Pro Bowler Ruled Out vs Patriots
- PhinPhanatic: Miami Dolphins Tua Tagovailoa New England Patriots Streak
- SI: Breaking Down the First Dolphins-Patriots Week 2 Injury Report
- CBS News: Patriots Week 2 Injury Report vs Dolphins
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Miami Dolphins
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
