As the Patriots get ready to face the Miami Dolphins, they took practice inside the Socios.com Field House on Wednesday. With temperatures in the low 50’s and rain in the forecast, the controlled environment allowed the team to better simulate the conditions they’ll see on Sunday.
“There were a number of factors involved,” Bill Belichick told reporters Wednesday morning in regards to practicing indoors for the first time all year. “We’ll be in there today and we’ll see what tomorrow brings.” Asked just how hot the building can get, Belichick replied “I don’t know, not as hot as it’ll be in Miami.”
Safety Kyle Dugger (hand) wasn’t spotted at the portion of practice open to the media, and listed as a non-participant on Wednesday’s injury report. Dugger played 51 percent of the Patriots’ defensive snaps in Sunday’s win over Jacksonville, and recorded his fourth interception of the year.
Ten players were listed as ‘limited’ for the Patriots, most notably wide receiver Nelson Agholor (concussion). Agholor hadn’t practiced the last two weeks and missed the last two games after getting hit in the head against Indianapolis in Week 15.
Tackle Isaiah Wynn (hip) and safety Cody Davis (wrist) are also listed as limited after not appearing on the injury report last week. The remaining seven players, all carryovers from Week 17, are running back Damien Harris (hamstring), wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (thigh), center David Andrews (shoulder), defensive lineman Christian Barmore (knee), linebacker Dont’a Hightower (knee), safety Adrian Phillips (knee) and kicker Nick Folk (left knee).
Miami has seven players listed on Wednesday’s injury report including receivers DeVante Parker (limited/rest) and Preston Williams (limited/illness), defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (quad), running back Phillip Lindsay (full/ankle).
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.