What's Happening?
Aaron Brewer, the Miami Dolphins center, will be inactive for the team's Week 17 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a neck injury. This marks the end of Brewer's streak of 75 consecutive games
and 66 consecutive starts, a run that began when he was with the Tennessee Titans. Brewer is one of five Dolphins players listed as inactive, including safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, tackle Kendall Lamm, and linebacker Derrick McLendon. The decision to make McLendon inactive is surprising, as he was elevated from the practice squad just a day before the game. Offensive lineman Josh Priebe was also elevated and will replace Lamm on the game-day roster. The Dolphins are managing Westbrook-Ikhine's snap count to prevent him from becoming a compensatory free agent, which could affect their draft pick strategy.
Why It's Important?
The absence of Aaron Brewer is significant for the Dolphins as it disrupts their offensive line continuity, potentially impacting their performance against the Buccaneers. Brewer's streak of consecutive games highlights his reliability and durability, making his absence notable. The strategic decision regarding Nick Westbrook-Ikhine's snap count reflects the Dolphins' focus on long-term team building and draft strategy. By managing his playtime, the Dolphins aim to secure a compensatory draft pick, which could be crucial for their future roster development. This game also sees Tua Tagovailoa serving as the emergency third quarterback, indicating the team's cautious approach to player health and readiness.
What's Next?
The Dolphins will need to adjust their offensive line strategy with Andrew Meyer likely stepping in as the starting center. The team will continue to monitor Brewer's recovery and assess his availability for future games. The management of Westbrook-Ikhine's snap count will be closely watched as the Dolphins aim to secure a compensatory draft pick. The outcome of this game could influence the Dolphins' playoff positioning and their approach to player rotations in the remaining games of the season. The Buccaneers, dealing with their own inactive list, will also need to adapt, particularly with the absence of Pro Bowl left tackle Tristan Wirfs.
