With less than a week before the Patriots’ season opener, the injury status of Ty Montgomery continues to be a mystery wrapped in a riddle wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a conundrum.

The veteran running back/receiver hybrid was set to play a significant role early on for the 2022 Patriots, as the go-to guy in the backfield in no-huddle situations. But an ankle injury knocked him out of the Pats’ preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders, and has since left his status for Week 1 at Miami in doubt.

And, thanks to Bill Belichick’s continued cryptic approach, we could be left wondering whether Montgomery plays right up until the inactives are announced on Sunday.

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Belichick confirmed during his Tuesday

Bill Belichick Live Press Conference 9/6: https://t.co/V6EUo2ts26

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 6, 2022" rel="noopener" target="_blank">video conference that Montgomery and tackle Isaiah Wynn were both expected to travel with the team to Miami. The flight is coming earlier in the week than usual, ostensibly to help them get acclimated to the weather in southern Florida before the game.

However, ESPN’s Mike Reiss wrote in his Sunday notes that Montgomery is “not expected to suit up” in the season opener against the Dolphins.

It will be interesting to see how Montgomery is listed on the Patriots’ Week 1 injury report, from his level of participation in practice to final status for the game. The good news is, Montgomery’s injury is apparently not as serious as it looked in the preseason finale, when he was carted off the field.

In the meantime, if Montgomery doesn’t end up playing Sunday, it would be intriguing to see who the Patriots turn to in the backfield when they go no-huddle. Damien Harris is the most experienced back, but he is working through some kind of injury problem of his own. Sophomore back Rhamondre Stevenson has been used in both the run and the pass. Both he and Harris got time as three-down backs in the preseason, with minimal substitutions.

But with Montgomery traveling to Miami, Belichick must see some value in having him available during the week. Or he’s holding out hope that Montgomery can be a last-minute activation on Sunday. He’s chosen to be as coy as possible about the situation so far.

Wynn, meanwhile, has been on and off the field with various undisclosed ailments in recent weeks. He still appears penciled in as the Patriots’ starting right tackle, with Yodny Cajuste the next man up. Justin Herron also remains on the roster. If Wynn and Trent Brown both got hurt at the same time (which can’t be ruled out), Herron would likely step in at right tackle if Cajuste had to move to the left side.

The Patriots take on the Dolphins on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium. You can hear the action on 98.5 The Sports Hub, starting with pregame coverage by Marc Bertrand and Chris Gasper at 10 a.m., then the call of the game with Bob Socci and Scott Zolak at 1, and finally postgame with Jim Murray and Joe Murray, with plenty of guests along the way.

We’ll continue to keep you covered on everything ahead of Patriots-Dolphins here at 985TheSportsHub.com.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. You can also email him at [email protected].