Dolphins CB Xavien Howard has knee injury

Cornerback Xavien Howard of the Miami Dolphins, who was selected the AFC's defensive player of the week on Wednesday, might not be able to face the New England Patriots this week because of a knee injury.

Howard did not practice on Wednesday and head coach Adam Gase later revealed that Howard is dealing the knee injury.

"He'll be week to week," Gase told reporters after practice. "We're going to have to see how it goes the rest of the week. I'll probably know more toward the end of the week whether or not he's got a shot or not.

"He's one of our best players, if not our best player on that side of the ball. We've got to make some adjustments, if we have to, on defense. Our guys have to step up. If [Howard] can't go, you're not going to replace him."

Gase added that he expects Howard to play again this season, but there might not be much reason to push him back onto the field if the Dolphins (6-6) lose to the Patriots.

Howard missed only one snap last Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, when he made two interceptions and had three tackles in a 21-17 victory. He suffered the injury on his second interception.

Nickel cornerback Bobby McCain is expected to replace Howard if he can't play against the Patriots.

The Dolphins bolstered their secondary by claiming cornerback Dee Delaney, formerly with the Carolina Panthers, on waivers.