The New England Patriots take on the Miami Dolphins this week. This is a huge game because if the Patriots can win, they automatically clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC, giving them home field advantage in the postseason. The Dolphins have beaten the Patriots the last two times in Miami, so this won't be easy.

Here are a few of the Patriots' key injured players.

Rob Gronkowski

After suffering a terrible injury against the Denver Broncos last month, it looked liked Rob Gronkowski could have been lost for the season. It turns out he only had to miss one game, against the Philadelphia Eagles. Gronkowski is practicing, and he is scheduled to play against the Dolphins.

Status: Will Play

Devin McCourty

Devin McCourty has been one of the best free safeties in the NFL, but he has missed the last two games because of an ankle injury. Without McCourty in the secondary, the Patriots are far more beatable down field. If McCourty isn't able to go, the Patriots pass rush is going to have to play at an elite level to stop the passing game. McCourty was limited at practice on Wednesday.

Status: Questionable

Patrick Chung

Another Patriots safety that's hurting, Patrick Chung had to miss last week's game because of a hip injury, and his status for Sunday is questionable. Chung isn't the greatest cover safety, but he is a good strong safety who can break up plays and make tackles. On Wednesday and Thursday Chung participated in practice with a red non contact jersey, so he's practicing, but he's limited. Right now, it's a 50/50 shot on whether or not the Jamaican-born safety plays on Sunday.

Status: Questionable

Dont'a Hightower

Dont'a Hightower has missed three games this year, but he was able to play last week against the New York Jets. Hightower ranks third on the team in tackles, but has been dealing with a knee injury. He was limited during practice this week, but fortunately for the Patriots, he should be able to play this upcoming week. The Patriots have an elite linebacker core, so they should be fine.

Status: Probable

Danny Amendola

Like many others on this list, Danny Amendola wasn't able to play last week either. Amendola is currently out with a sprained knee, and there's no telling if he's going to suit up against the fish. Amendola has dealt with a lot of leg injuries in the past, and Brady is running out of weapons to throw to, so Amendola's health is a big concern going forward.

Status: Questionable

Julian Edelman

Julian Edelman has been Tom Brady's go-to-guy in the slot for the last few years, but a broken bone in the foot has kept in out since Week 10. It's unlikely he will play against the Miami Dolphins this weekend, but things are improving for Edelman. He is practicing more and more, and Bill Belichick has not put him on season-ending injured reserve in hopes of a return. Getting a first round bye in the playoffs is crucial because the Patriots have to rest Edelman for the second round, whomever that is against.

Status: Doubtful

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