Dolphins Face Uncertainty as Aaron Brewer’s Injury Puts Week 17 Clash in Doubt
The Miami Dolphins are grappling with a potential setback as center Aaron Brewer’s impressive durability over the past four seasons is now under threat. Despite playing through various injuries this season, Brewer missed practice on Wednesday due to a neck injury, casting doubt on his availability for the crucial Week 17 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Hard Rock Stadium.
Injury Concerns Mount for Brewer
The timing of Brewer’s injury is particularly concerning. It’s widely believed that he sustained the neck issue during the Dolphins’ disappointing 45-21 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. This marked the first game since the Week 10 clash with the Buffalo Bills in which Brewer had not been listed on the injury report, highlighting the toll the season has taken on him. Over the last two months, he has battled foot, ankle, neck, and knee problems, but Wednesday’s absence from practice was the first since Week 11’s game in Madrid.
Brewer was not alone in his absence; he was one of five players sidelined during Wednesday’s practice. Linebacker Tyrel Dodson (chest), wide receiver Dee Eskridge (toe), safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (calf), and tight end Darren Waller (rest/groin) also missed the session. Fitzpatrick’s status is particularly worrisome, as he has not practiced at all in the previous week and head coach Mike McDaniel indicated he remains week to week. Given these circumstances, his participation against Tampa Bay seems highly unlikely.
Waller’s Routine Absence Raises Questions
As for Waller, his absence from practice has become a familiar sight. The tight end has been managing different injuries, including a knee issue last week and now a groin problem, following a stint on injured reserve due to a pectoral injury. The Dolphins’ injury report now includes a total of 11 players, though there is a glimmer of hope with offensive lineman Andrew Meyer listed as a full participant for the fourth consecutive practice after returning from IR.
Should Brewer be unable to suit up against the Buccaneers, Meyer would be a natural candidate to step in. The Dolphins also have the option of utilizing Daniel Brunskill as an alternative. Meanwhile, kicker Jason Sanders remains on IR but was noted as limited in practice, similar to last week when the Dolphins opted to go with Riley Patterson as their kicker for the Cincinnati game.
Buccaneers Battling Their Own Injury Woes
Turning to the Buccaneers, they are also dealing with injury issues of their own. The most notable name on their injury report is Pro Bowl tackle Tristan Wirfs, who did not practice due to a toe injury. Head coach Todd Bowles revealed that Wirfs suffered the injury during Tampa Bay’s narrow 23-20 defeat to the Carolina Panthers. His availability for the upcoming game against Miami is uncertain and likely won’t be clarified until later in the week.
The Buccaneers find themselves in a precarious position, trailing the Carolina Panthers by one game in the NFC South. A loss to the Dolphins, coupled with a Panthers victory over the Seattle Seahawks, could spell elimination for Tampa Bay from playoff contention.
As both teams navigate their respective injury challenges, the stakes couldn’t be higher for this Week 17 showdown. The Dolphins and Buccaneers will look to solidify their playoff aspirations amid the uncertainty, making for an intriguing matchup ahead.
