The New England Patriots have ruled out four players for their regular-season finale against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on Sunday. The final injury report released Friday lists outside linebacker Harold Landry III (knee), linebacker Robert Spillane (ankle), left guard Jared Wilson (concussion), and nose tackle Khyiris Tonga as unavailable for Week 18.
Fullback Jack Westover (ankle) and cornerback Charles Woods (foot) are listed as questionable. There is also potential for returns from injured reserve, with defensive tackle Milton Williams (ankle) and left tackle Will Campbell (knee) both off the injury report after recent absences.
Will Campbell, selected fourth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, started the first 12 games of his rookie season before a knee injury in Week 12 sidelined him. He has participated fully in practice this week, signaling a possible return for the postseason. “We’ll see how they respond from today’s work. Tried to get them a full week of work in, but I think it looks good. Both of them were able to work the whole week and we’ll see where we’re at tomorrow,” said head coach Mike Vrabel regarding Campbell and Williams.
Backup left tackle Vederian Lowe has filled in over the last four games, allowing only one sack during that span. At left guard, Ben Brown replaced Wilson last week but struggled at times, allowing three pressures.
Depending on whether Campbell is activated for Sunday’s game, the Patriots could start either Campbell or Lowe at left tackle alongside Brown at left guard, Bradbury at center, Onwenu at right guard, and Moses at right tackle. The team must decide by Saturday afternoon whether to activate Campbell, Williams, and cornerback Alex Austin from injured reserve.
Milton Williams has participated in limited practice sessions while recovering from a high-ankle sprain suffered in Week 11. He told reporters he feels more confident about his ankle and wants some playing time before the playoffs begin.
Three key defenders—Landry, Spillane, and Tonga—remain out for New England’s front seven. Their absence has contributed to a decline in run defense performance; the Patriots now rank 19th in rush EPA allowed and 20th in pass-rush win rate.
Robert Spillane returned to practice Friday after missing several weeks due to an ankle injury. “I’m very motivated. Every day I come here eager to get back on the field, preparing. I think we’re moving in the right direction. I’m looking forward to getting back on the field,” Spillane said during an appearance on WEEI radio.
On Miami’s side, running back De’Von Achane is doubtful with a shoulder injury while starting safety Minkah Fitzpatrick will not play due to a calf issue. Achane leads all NFL running backs with an average of 5.7 yards per carry and tops explosive runs this season but may sit out since Miami is already eliminated from playoff contention.
With playoff seeding still undecided entering Week 18 despite clinching the AFC East title, New England can secure a top-two seed with a win Sunday—and could earn home-field advantage throughout the playoffs if they win combined with a Denver Broncos loss. A loss could drop them as low as third seed depending on other results around the league.
Coach Vrabel confirmed that all healthy players will be available against Miami: “As mentioned, the Patriots have until 4 p.m. ET on Saturday to activate Austin, Campbell, and Williams from injured reserve – we’ll keep you updated.”
The Patriots face off against the Dolphins Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.
