Patriots-Dolphins Week Eighteen Injury Report: First Edition — Agholor Returns, Dugger, Eleven Limited for Pats on Wednesday

The first practice participation and injury report of Week Eighteen of the 2021 NFL season provided both questions and concern for the New England Patriots, as they prepare to take on the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, January 9 at 4:25pm from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

In anticipation of the warmer temperatures likely to be faced Sunday, head coach Bill Belichick held Wednesday’s practice inside the Socios.com Fieldhouse. Still, there are plenty of storylines heading into this contest on Sunday, many of which surround the health of some key players.

Here is Wednesday’s full report:

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (10-6)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE

DB Kyle Dugger, Hand

LIMITED AVAILABILITY

WR Nelson Agholor, Concussion

C David Andrews, Shoulder

DL Christian Barmore, Knee

RB Brandon Bolden, Knee

DB Cody Davis, Wrist

K Nick Folk, Left Knee

RB Damien Harris, Hamstring

LB Dont'a Hightower, Knee

WR Jakobi Meyers, Thigh

S Adrian Phillips, Knee

T Isaiah Wynn, Hip

FULL AVAILABILITY

No Players Listed.

What It Means: Patriots

Returning to practice for the first time since exiting the Patriots’ Week Fifteen matchup (with the Indianapolis Colts) was wide receiver Nelson Agholor. The 28-year-old was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday, as he still remains under observation for a concussion.

Though he was not listed, rookie outside linebacker Ronnie Perkins was also present for the start of Wednesday’s practice. As a result, Perkins’ 21-day window to be activated from injured reserve has opened.

The Patriots did have one absence on Wednesday. Safety Kyle Dugger did not participate in practice due to a hand injury. Dugger has been a mainstay in the Pats defensive backfield in 2021, playing on 72.5 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. On Sunday, he logged two tackles, one pass defensed and one interception.

Cornerback Myles Bryant, offensive linemen Yodny Cajuste and practice squad offensive lineman Will Sherman were also absent on Wednesday, as each player remains on COVID-19/Reserve

MIAMI DOLPHINS (8-8)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE

No Players Listed.

LIMITED AVAILABILITY

DT John Jenkins, Illness

DE Emmanuel Ogbah, Quad

WR DeVante Parker, Not Injury Related - Veteran Rest

WR Preston Williams, Illness

FULL AVAILABILITY

G/T Jesse Davis, Knee / Elbow

WR Isaiah Ford, Knee

RB Phillip Lindsay, Ankle

What It Means: Dolphins

Miami had full participation for Wednesday's practice, though they did list four players as limited participants. Defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah was listed with a quad injury, and may be one to watch as the week progresses. Ogbah is a key member of the Dolphins front seven, playing in all 16 games and logging 9 sacks, 25 solo tackles and one forced fumble.

Wide receiver DeVante Parker (veteran rest) was present for practice, resting for only part of the session. Defensive tackle John Jenkins and wide receiver Preston Williams are fresh off the COVID-19/Reserve list, each listed with illness.