Dolphins' Minkah Fitzpatrick out vs. Bucs; Aaron Brewer could play

"MIAMI GARDENS - Miami Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but center Aaron Brewer may still be able to play, coach Mike McDaniel ahead of Friday's practice. Fitzpatrick is bound to miss his second straight game with the calf injury suffered in his Dec. 15 Monday night return to Pittsburgh. The Dolphins have not yet shut him down on injured reserve for the possibility he could return for the final against the New England Patriots."

"Brewer will practice Friday, McDaniel said, after he hadn't gone through a session previously during the week due to a neck ailment. The center has not missed a start with Miami since signing with the team in 2024. McDaniel indicated Friday center Andrew Meyer (triceps) will be activated from IR and serve as a reserve option in case Brewer can't play. Wide receiver and return specialist Dee Eskridge (toe) was deemed unlikely to play by McDaniel as he won't practice Friday."

"The Dolphins have the status of linebacker Tyrel Dodson (chest) in the air for the game against Tampa. K.J. Britt would be his backup. Tight end Darren Waller (groin) "should be good to go," per McDaniel. It's also up in the air whether Miami activates kicker Jason Sanders (right hip) off IR or sticks with Riley Patterson, who has kicked in the previous 15 games of the season."

Minkah Fitzpatrick is ruled out Sunday with a calf injury sustained during his Dec. 15 return to Pittsburgh, though the team has not placed him on injured reserve to preserve a potential return for the season finale. Aaron Brewer is expected to practice Friday after missing earlier sessions with a neck ailment, and Andrew Meyer (triceps) will be activated from IR as a reserve if needed. Dee Eskridge (toe) is unlikely to play. Tyrel Dodson's status is uncertain with K.J. Britt as backup. Darren Waller (groin) should be available. Jason Sanders' activation from IR remains undecided. Isaiah Johnson tore an ACL Wednesday, ending his season. The Dolphins' finale timing depends on playoff seeding scenarios.

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