Dolphins Officially Rule Out Two Stars For Matchup With Patriots

The Patriots got some good news shortly before Sunday night's kickoff with the Dolphins.

Miami officially ruled out seven players for the Week 2 contest at Gillette Stadium, including linebacker Jaelan Phillips and tackle Terron Armstead. Phillips, one of the NFL's ascending pass rushers, suffered a back injury during practice this week, whereas Armstead, a stud tackle when healthy, hasn't played since last Christmas due to multiple injuries.

Here's the Dolphins' full inactives list:

QB Skylar Thompson
CB Kelvin Joseph
WR Cedrick Wilson Jr.
LB Jaelan Phillips
DB Elijah Campbell
T Terron Armstead
TE Julian Hill

The moves could help New England on both sides of the ball.

The Patriots must succeed in pressuring Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, a job that should be easier to accomplish with Armstead sidelined. And with tackle Trent Brown officially inactive Sunday night, protecting Mac Jones again could prove difficult. So, not having to deal with Phillips is a big break for New England.

The Patriots and Dolphins are scheduled to kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET.