Cannon (ankle), Van Noy (calf) out -- how will that impact Patriots lineup?

Offensive tackle Marcus Cannon (ankle) and linebacker Kyle Van Noy (calf) were both downgraded to out on Saturday for Monday’s game against the Dolphins. So what does that mean for the rest of the Patriots lineup?


When it comes to Cannon, New England has been making do without him in the lineup since the Oct. 29 win over the Chargers. If LaAdrian Waddle (who was kept out of Sunday’s game against the Bills because an ankle injury) is good to go, he will get the start at right tackle for New England. Waddle isn’t Cannon but has done a very good job filling in as needed when he’s been called up. (For what it’s worth, Waddle was limited on Saturday, and is officially listed as questionable for Monday night.) If Waddle can't go, expected Cam Fleming and lots of help on that right side for the Patriots.

As for Van Noy, his calf issue first flared up in the Nov. 26 game against the Dolphins, and limited him in last weekend’s win over the Bills. Perhaps anticipating the fact that Van Noy wouldn’t be able to go against the Dolphins, the Patriots brought back linebacker Jonathan Freeny, a familiar face who was available. While Freeny might not be asked to take all of Van Noy’s snaps against Miami, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him active against the Dolphins as a way to insure depth at the linebacker spot. Expect Elandon Roberts and David Harris to also play more than usual with the loss of Van Noy.

Good news for the Patriots, as Dion Lewis (illness) was back on the practice field, albeit in limited fashion. And New England removed Tom Brady (Achilles) from the injury report altogether.

Here’s the complete injury report:

OUT
LB Kyle Van Noy (calf — did not participate)
OT Marcus Cannon (ankle — did not participate)

QUESTIONABLE
LB Marquis Flowers (knee — limited)
DL Trey Flowers (rib — limited)
RB Mike Gillislee (illness — did not practice)
CB Stephon Gilmore (ankle — limited)
WR Chris Hogan (shoulder — limited)
DB Brandon King (hamstring — limited)
RB Dion Lewis (illness — limited)
CB Eric Rowe (groin — limited)
WR/ST Matthew Slater (hamstring — limited)
OT LaAdrian Waddle (ankle — limited)
DL Deatrich Wise (foot — limited)