FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots will be without tight end Benjamin Watson and running back Sammy Morris when they take on the winless Dolphins in Miami on Sunday.
Both players were listed as inactive. Defensive back Mel Mitchell, linebacker Eric Alexander, tackle Wesley Britt and defensive tackles Wesley Britt and Mike Wright were also inactive, while Matt Gutierrez was listed as the third quarterback.
Morris, who is leading the team with 384 yards rushing, suffered a chest injury in last weekend's 48-27 win over the Dallas Cowboys. He started three consecutive games filling in for Laurence Maroney, who has a groin injury. Maroney is listed as questionable against the Dolphins (0-6), meaning he has about a 50-50 chance of playing.
If Maroney misses his fourth straight game, the Patriots (6-0) will rely primarily on veteran Kevin Faulk and Heath Evans to run the ball.
Watson, who has 18 catches for 222 yards and five touchdowns, injured his ankle against the Cowboys.
The Patriots also downgraded LB Eric Alexander (knee), S Mel Mitchell (groin) and DE Mike Wright (knee) from doubtful to out.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press.
