The Patriots have seen this story before. It's ending? Nightmarish.
Bill Belichick's club hit the practice fields on Thursday without most of their top cornerbacks and one of their top safeties as they continue preparations for the Dolphins. Marcus Jones (concussion), Jack Jones (knee), Jalen Mills (groin) and Adrian Phillips (unknown) were all missing from the start of the workout.
The rookie Joneses and Mills all missed Wednesday's practice, and their absence early on Thursday doesn't bode well for their availability Sunday in what's considered a must-win matchup since two wins in the final two weeks of the season would bump the Patriots into the postseason.