What happened: At 4-3 following a 30-24 Thursday Night Football loss to the Chicago Bears, the New England Patriots turn to a Week 8 road matchup against the Miami Dolphins at 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday. Head coach Mike Vrabel faces his former Tennessee quarterback Malik Willis, who earned a FedEx Air & Ground Player of the Week nomination after leading Miami past the New York Jets 28-25. Meanwhile, Marcus Bryant (ankle) practiced in full Tuesday while designated to return from injured reserve.

Why it matters: Activating Bryant as New England's third injured-reserve returnee will trim the club's remaining IR elevations to five for the balance of the 2026 regular season. Offensively, tight ends Hunter Henry and third-round rookie Eli Raridon have taken on larger roles alongside wideout Kyle Williams to offset roster attrition after the team already traded for four players this year. With the Nov. 10 trade deadline approaching and the 2-5 Indianapolis Colts dealing veterans, Sports Illustrated's Mike Kadlick linked New England as a potential trade destination for wide receiver Josh Downs.

What to watch: The Patriots and Dolphins kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday in Miami with referee Shawn Hochuli officiating. New England has until the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline to finalize any additional roster moves at wide receiver.