Patriots lose another team captain ahead of Sunday's game vs. Dolphins

There’s a possibility that the New England Patriots could be without both of their starting safeties for Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins.

On Saturday, the team officially ruled out defensive team captain Jabrill Peppers with a shoulder injury. It’s devastating news for the Patriots’ secondary considering veteran safety Kyle Dugger is also questionable to play with an ankle injury.

Granted, the Dolphins are still playing without Tua Tagovailoa under center at quarterback, but they still have two explosive receiving weapons on both sides with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley could have a chance to take some shots downfield.

Peppers and Dugger potentially being out would open up opportunities for veteran Jaylinn Hawkins and rookie Dell Pettus to step up in starting roles.

The next-man-up mentality has been a weekly concept for the Patriots after losing team captains, David Andrews and Ja’Whaun Bentley, to season-ending injuries in back-to-back weeks.

The team also losing Peppers, even for a week, is some next-level bad luck.