Hard Rock Stadium, September 14, 2025
News Summary
As Miami Dolphins prepare for their Week 2 matchup against the New England Patriots, both teams have clarified their injury statuses. The Dolphins will be without key players, including tight end Darren Waller, while the Patriots have significant absences as well. The game, set for 1 p.m. Eastern at Hard Rock Stadium, promises strategic implications due to these lineup changes. Both teams will be looking to adapt to their absences and maximize performance despite setbacks.
Miami — Week 2 injury and inactive bulletin has more certainty than a short putt
The Sunday afternoon matchup at Hard Rock Stadium feels like a front-nine routine — a few routine bogeys, a couple of decisions you wish you could chip back, and a clear idea of where the ball finished. For the Dolphins and Patriots, the inactive and injury lists for Week 2 left fans with little mystery and plenty of lineup clarity.
Quick read from the clubhouse: what’s definite
The Dolphins’ inactive list is about as straightforward as reading the greens. Tight end Darren Waller, cornerback Storm Duck, and defensive tackle Benito Jones are out. On a roster that’s been buzzing with questions all offseason, this group being ruled out is about as settled as a veteran caddie’s advice.
Meanwhile, the Patriots also head to the tee with a short list: five players inactive plus Tommy DeVito as the emergency third quarterback. Among the questionable names for New England, running back Tyler Goodson is battling an elbow issue — not ideal for a player who needs secure grips on the ball.
Players who flirted with the starter list but stayed home
A couple of Dolphins were trending toward play but ultimately parked in the yard. Jaylen Wright (RB) and Ethan Bonner (CB) were designated as doubtful yet made it back to practice for the first time in weeks. Think of them like golfers trying to shake loose a stiff shoulder — they can swing, but not with tournament intensity. Both are not ready to play this week, though the four-day break until Week 3 gives them a better chance at getting back into the lineup.
Also of note for Miami: Ashtyn Davis was listed as questionable with a knee issue but is active after limited practices. Expect him to be treated with a bit of caution, like laying up on a risky par-5.
Healthy scratches and depth charts
Tahj Washington is a healthy scratch for the second straight week. In golf terms, that’s like a pro sitting out a tournament day even though he could tee it up — a strategic choice, not a medical one.
On the quarterback front for Miami, Quinn Ewers is listed as the emergency third quarterback. That’s the equivalent of a Monday qualifier waiting in the clubhouse: ready if called, but not expected to play.
Patriots lineup notes — a manageable card
New England’s inactive list includes cornerback Christian Gonzalez (hamstring), outside linebacker Keion White (illness), nose tackle Eric Gregory, wide receiver Efton Chism, and guard Caedan Wallace. Two players who were questionable, right tackle Morgan Moses and linebacker Marte Mapu, are active — both cleared to go and fit to play.
When and where
The matchup tees off at 1 p.m. Eastern on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium. If you’re planning a watch party, picture this as the final round: attention to detail matters, especially with some key contributors watching from the sidelines.
What this means for both teams
For Miami, missing a veteran tight end like Darren Waller changes red-zone options and third-down dynamics, forcing younger players to step into clutch roles. The loss of defensive depth in the interior with Benito Jones out could make the Patriots’ running game more inviting if they choose to test the middle.
New England is a bit shorthanded in the back end with Christian Gonzalez out, which may invite more quick passing and route adjustments from Miami’s offense. However, with their starters mostly fit, the Patriots still have experienced hands on deck to manage the engine and keep it humming.
Final takeaway — a conservative, methodical course
The Week 2 injury report reads like a defensive round: safe plays, a few small risks, and mostly predictable outcomes. Both teams head into this one with manageable absences and an eye on the next tee box — especially Miami, where Jaylen Wright and Ethan Bonner could benefit from the extra recovery time before Week 3. Golfers and football fans alike can appreciate the strategy: sometimes it’s smarter to sit out a day, heal up, and be ready to attack the next challenge.
FAQ
Who is inactive for the Miami Dolphins in Week 2?
The Dolphins’ inactive list includes Darren Waller (TE), Storm Duck (CB), and Benito Jones (DT). Additionally, Tahj Washington is a healthy scratch.
Which Dolphins were doubtful but practiced?
Jaylen Wright (RB) and Ethan Bonner (CB) were listed as doubtful. They returned to practice but are not ready to play this week; they may be more likely to play in Week 3 thanks to the four-day gap.
Who is the emergency third quarterback for the Dolphins?
Quinn Ewers is serving as the emergency third quarterback for Miami this week.
Who is inactive for the New England Patriots?
The Patriots’ inactive list includes Christian Gonzalez (CB), Keion White (OLB), Eric Gregory (NT), Efton Chism (WR), and Caedan Wallace (G). Tommy DeVito is the emergency third quarterback.
When and where does the game start?
The game kicks off at 1 p.m. Eastern on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
At-a-glance table: Week 2 inactives & notes
| Team | Player | Position | Reason / Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dolphins | Darren Waller | TE | Inactive |
| Dolphins | Storm Duck | CB | Inactive |
| Dolphins | Benito Jones | DT | Inactive |
| Dolphins | Ashtyn Davis | S | Active (limited practices) |
| Dolphins | Jaylen Wright | RB | Returned to practice; not ready to play (doubtful) |
| Dolphins | Ethan Bonner | CB | Returned to practice; not ready to play (doubtful) |
| Dolphins | Tahj Washington | WR | Healthy scratch |
| Dolphins | Quinn Ewers | QB | Emergency third quarterback |
| Patriots | Christian Gonzalez | CB | Inactive (hamstring) |
| Patriots | Keion White | OLB | Inactive (illness) |
| Patriots | Eric Gregory | NT | Inactive |
| Patriots | Efton Chism | WR | Inactive |
| Patriots | Caedan Wallace | G | Inactive |
| Patriots | Tyler Goodson | RB | Questionable (elbow) |
| Patriots | Morgan Moses | RT | Active (questionable earlier) |
| Patriots | Marte Mapu | LB | Active (questionable earlier) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Patriots.com: Week 2 Injury Report
- Wikipedia: National Football League
- Sports Illustrated: Dolphins vs Patriots Inactive Info
- Google Search: Dolphins Patriots news
- The Phinsider: Patriots vs Dolphins Injury Report
- Google Scholar: NFL injury report
- Times of India: Latest Injury Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NFL
- NESN: Final Injury Report Updates
- Google News: Patriots Dolphins injury report
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.
