Aaron Brewer’s Ironman Streak Ends Against Buccaneers
Aaron Brewer’s remarkable durability has come to a halt. The Miami Dolphins center will not take the field in Week 17 as he has been sidelined due to a neck injury, which had placed him on the questionable list leading up to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Hard Rock Stadium. This marks a significant moment, as it is the first game Brewer will miss since the 2021 season when he played for the Tennessee Titans, thereby ending his impressive streak of 75 consecutive games and 66 straight starts.
Dolphins Inactive List
Brewer is one of five players listed as inactive for this crucial matchup. Joining him on the sidelines are safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, tackle Kendall Lamm, and linebacker Derrick McLendon. The decision to sit McLendon is particularly unexpected, especially after the Dolphins elevated him from the practice squad just a day before the game. Offensive lineman Josh Priebe, who was also elevated, has taken Lamm’s spot on the game-day roster.
In Brewer’s absence, it appears that Andrew Meyer will step in as the starting center, making his debut for the season after being activated.
Westbrook-Ikhine’s Snap Count Dilemma
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine’s situation remains unchanged from last week when he was inactive for the game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Dolphins are managing his snap count carefully, as they seek to avoid him qualifying as a compensatory free agent. The rules surrounding compensatory free agents are complex; only a limited number of players can qualify based on their playing time. By preserving his inactive status, the Dolphins may be aiming to keep Westbrook-Ikhine from reaching the necessary snap percentage to qualify, which could negatively affect their future draft picks, particularly regarding the potential loss of a fourth-round pick in 2026 due to Jevon Holland’s departure.
Tagovailoa’s Continued Role
In another notable decision, Tua Tagovailoa will again serve as the emergency third quarterback for Miami, a continuation of his role from recent games as the Dolphins navigate their roster challenges.
Buccaneers’ Inactive Players
On the other side, the Buccaneers have also made significant adjustments to their roster. Pro Bowl left tackle Tristan Wirfs headlines their inactive list, ruled out due to a toe injury sustained in last week’s loss to the Carolina Panthers. Other players who will not dress for the game include quarterback Connor Bazelak, linebacker John Bullock, outside linebacker Anthony Nelson, wide receiver Sterling Shepard, and safety Rashad Wisdom.
As both teams look to make the most of their rosters, the absence of key players could have a major impact on the outcome of this crucial matchup.
