After the New England Patriots placed Caedan Wallace on the injured reserve list on Friday, ruling him out of Sunday's Week 5 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, head coach Jerod Mayo's defense and offensive line will be shorthanded. Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers, who had been dealing with a shoulder injury this week, has been ruled out, per NFL Network's Adam Schefter.

“Patriots downgraded safety Jabrill Peppers to out for Sunday’s game against the Dolphins,” Schefter reported. Peppers' disappointing update adds to the Patriots dealing with a string of injuries five weeks into the 2024 NFL season.

Jerod Mayo benches Rhadmore Stevens ahead of Week 5

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo looks on during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium
Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo benched starting running back Rhadmore Stevenson, which is just the beginning of a slew of changes ahead of facing the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Amidst his fumbling issues, Stevenson fumbled the ball four times in Week 4's loss to the San Francisco 49ers, giving running back Antonio Gibson increased usage against the Dolphins.

Still, Mayo won't be benching Stevenson altogether on Sunday, per ESPN's Mike Reiss.

Article Continues Below
More New England Patriots News
Oct 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) walks towards the sideline before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Stefon Diggs being cut ‘on the table,’ amid viral videoMike Gianakos ·
Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) warms up prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Stefon Diggs’ future hinges on truth over boat party says Albert BreerJake Faigus ·
New England Patriots guard Cole Strange (69) defends against Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Neil Farrell Jr. (93) at Allegiant Stadium.
Patriots rumors: Controversial 1st-Round pick on chopping block to be cutConor Roche ·
New England Patriots center David Andrews (60) watches from the sideline during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium.
2-time Super Bowl champion retires after 10 seasons with PatriotsConor Roche ·
Sep 24, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-Imagn Images
Falcons send fans into frenzy after immediately deleting ’28-3′ postMike Gianakos ·
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks the to media during a press conference at Gillette Stadium.
Patriots HC Mike Vrabel sounds off on viral Stefon Diggs boat videoBenedetto Vitale ·

“Had a conversation with Rhamondre and he won't be starting … I'll be upfront and transparent. But he will play. And he understands he has to protect the football going forward,” Mayo revealed via ESPN.

“We can't preach ‘ball security is job security' and still have him out there the majority of the time,” Mayo said. “I think it sends a stronger message to the players that there are certain things that we just can't do to win — especially with the team we have today.”

Caedan Wallace, the Patriots' offensive tackle, suffered an ankle injury early against the 49ers and is expected to miss at least six weeks. The rookie was the fourth left tackle coach Mayo deployed this season after losing Kendrick Bourne, Marte Mapu, and Sione Takitaki, but are close to returning to the field.

Bourne, who tore his ACL last season, returned to the practice field for the first time. Takitaki still has a way to go, as he's doubtful for Week 5, while Bourne and Mapu upgraded to questionable for Sunday's AFC East matchup.