Hightower, Jones out; Ninkovich questionable

The New England defense could be missing some key pieces at Miami on Sunday. The Patriots have ruled out DE Chandler Jones (toe) and LB Dont'a Hightower (knee) and deemed DE Rob Ninkovich (shin) questionable. Ninkovich only practiced Thursday this week. The moves make DE Jabaal Sheard the best IDP bet on the New England D-line and chip away at the defense's upside. The matchup with a reeling Dolphins offense keeps the Patriots among the most attractive fantasy targets for the week, though. Safeties Patrick Chung (foot) and Devin McCourty (ankle) are also questionable after missing last week's loss to the Jets.

Patriots DT Christian Barmore (knee) is inactive for tonight's game against the Bears. DE Lawrence Guy (shoulder), CB Jonathan Jones (ankle) and DB Jalen Mills (illness) are active.

Patriots DL Lawrence Guy (shoulder) is out for Sunday's game against the Lions. S Kyle Dugger (knee), CB Jalen Mills (hamstring) and S Adrian Phillips (ribs) are questionable.

Patriots CB Jalen Mills (hamstring) is inactive for today's game against the Packers. DT Davon Godchaux (back), LB Raekwon McMillan (thumb), S Kyle Dugger (knee) and S Adrian Phillips (ribs) are active for the game.

Patriots S Kyle Dugger (knee), S Adrian Phillips (ribs) and CB Jalen Mills (hamstring) are questionable for Sunday's game against the Ravens. Dugger missed the 1st 2 practices before returning for a limited Friday workout. Phillips put in limited practices all week and played through his injury in Week 2. Mills popped up on the injury report as limited Thursday but made it for another limited workout Friday. We'll check their statuses Sunday morning. DT Davon Godchaux (back) and LB Raekwon McMillan (thumb) are also questionable.

Patriots S Adrian Phillips (ribs) and LB Raekwon McMillan (thumb) are active for today's game against the Steelers. Neither is a high-level IDP play.