The Boston Herald's Andrew Callahan reports that New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (ankle) recently had surgery for a high-ankle sprain that was initially misdiagnosed earlier this season. Dugger had tightrope surgery on Jan. 9 to re-stabilize his right ankle that progressively worsened during the 2024 season. He was initially diagnosed with a mild sprain in late September and he was later told he was dealing with a bone bruise. Dugger's ankle injury led to a career-high 13 missed tackles while he also graded out as the third-worst safety in coverage, according to Pro Football Focus. Normally a starting-caliber defensive back in IDP fantasy leagues, Dugger didn't even register in the top 50 at his position in overall points by the end of the year. With better health in 2025, though, Dugger could easily bounce back for a Pats D under new head coach Mike Vrabel.
New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (ankle, quadriceps) is officially active for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Buffalo Bills. However, the team already ruled out cornerback Christian Gonzalez (concussion) after he suffered a concussion in last week's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Dugger has battled multiple lower-body injuries throughout the year but has mostly played through his ailments. Although the Patriots defense probably has more upside this weekend than they have all year with key starters on the Bills offense to play very little on Sunday, fantasy managers should continue to avoid their defense/special teams unit. In his fifth season with New England, Dugger enters the regular-season finale with 79 tackles (53 solo), one sack, eight tackles for loss, four pass breakups and a forced fumble in 12 starts.
New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (ankle, quadriceps) is officially active on Saturday as the team gets prepared to face the visiting Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17. Meanwhile, free safety Jabrill Peppers (hamstring) has been ruled out. Dugger continues to play through an ankle injury and recently picked up a quad issue, but he will be active as the Pats look to pull the upset on a Chargers team looking to lock themselves into a wild-card spot in the AFC. The 28-year-old Dugger has 70 tackles (47 solo), one sack, eight tackles for loss, four pass breakups and a forced fumble in 11 starts for the Pats this year and is in play as a starting defensive back in IDP fantasy leagues this weekend now that he's officially active. Peppers will be missing his second straight game and will give way to Dell Pettus and Marte Mapu in New England's secondary.
Kyle Dugger Active, Jabrill Peppers Inactive In Week 16
New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (ankle) is active, while safety Jabrill Peppers (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's divisional tilt against the Buffalo Bills. Dugger opened the week as a non-participant but was able to log two limited sessions to conclude the week. Peppers popped up on the injury report on Friday and will set his sights on returning in Week 17. Dugger should be expected to operate in his typical starting role, while Dell Pettus will likely take over Peppers' role at free safety. The Patriots defense should not be viewed as a streaming option facing a potent Buffalo offense.
New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (ankle) and cornerback Christian Gonzalez (shoulder) are active for Week 15 against the Arizona Cardinals. Both players had been listed as questionable after logging limited practices all week long. Dugger has appeared in nine games this season, compiling 50 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble. Meanwhile, Gonzalez has continued to emerge as an impactful starting cornerback with his 55 tackles, two interceptions, and one fumble recovery. Having both players available is a huge development for the Patriots as they take on the Cardinals this Sunday.
Kyle Dugger, Christian Gonzalez Questionable For Week 15
New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (ankle) and cornerback Christian Gonzalez (shoulder) are both listed as questionable to play in Week 15 against the Arizona Cardinals. In addition, defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy (foot) is out and defensive tackle Christian Barmore (undisclosed) is questionable. It's been an injury-plagued year for Dugger, 28, although he has been active for each of the team's last three contests. After a career-high 109 combined tackles in 2023, Dugger has 52 tackles (35 solo) in nine games in 2024 and could be considered as a starting defensive back in IDP fantasy formats. Gonzalez, 22, should be available this weekend, although he's not much of an option in IDP leagues. The former first-rounder in 2023 has 55 tackles (46 solo), two picks, eight pass breakups and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown in his 13 starts.
New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (ankle) is officially active for Week 13 against the Indianapolis Colts. He had been listed as questionable after logging three limited practices in a row. The 28-year-old has appeared in eight games this season, tallying 42 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble. His presence will be key as he contributes on defense, including providing run support to slow down Jonathan Taylor.
New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (ankle) is listed as questionable to play against the visiting Indianapolis Colts on Sunday in Week 13. In addition to Dugger, safety Jabrill Peppers (knee), linebackers Christian Elliss (knee), Anfernee Jennings (knee) and Sione Takitaki (knee), and defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy (neck) are questionable for the Pats defense. The 28-year-old Dugger has played through limited tags each of the last two weeks, so barring a setback on Saturday, he should be active on Sunday for New England's secondary. Dugger has only played in eight games so far in 2024 due to injury and has compiled 44 tackles (30 solo), one sack, five tackles for loss, three pass breakups and a forced fumble. At best, he'll be a low-end starting option at defensive back for those in IDP fantasy formats.
Kyle Dugger, Christian Gonzalez Active Versus Miami
New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (ankle) and cornerback Christian Gonzalez (hip) are active for Week 12 against the Miami Dolphins. Both players had been listed as questionable after logging a limited practice session on Friday. Dugger has appeared in seven games this season, amassing 36 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble. Meanwhile, Gonzalez has not yet missed a game this season, totaling 46 tackles and one interception while playing lockdown defense against some of the NFL's top receivers. Having both players available is key for the Patriots if they have any chance of upsetting Miami on Sunday.
Kyle Dugger Returns From Three-Game Absence Sunday
New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (ankle) is officially active for Week 11 against the Los Angeles Rams. He had been listed as questionable after logging three limited practices in a row. Dugger's presence on Sunday marks the end of a three-week absence for the talented defender. He'll provide a key reinforcement to the Patriots' defense as they look to slow down an offense featuring Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and Kyren Williams.
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