The Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots are into their final preparations for their 2021 NFL kickoff game, facing each other in Week 1 for the second straight year. The two AFC East rivals will also finish the season facing each other, meaning these will be two completely different teams when they meet in Week 18. Part of those differences will be injuries that have impacted both rosters throughout the season.
Heading into Sunday’s Week 1 contest, both teams are fairly healthy - though that does not mean everyone will play. The Dolphins are facing not having starting left tackle Austin Jackson and second-team tight end Adam Shaheen if they cannot clear medical protocols and be activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list by Saturday afternoon.