Miami Dolphins expect to have starting tailback Jay Ajayi available for Sunday's regular-season finale against the New England Patriots, coach Adam Gase said Monday.
Gase said the shoulder injury Ajayi suffered late in Saturday's 34-31 overtime win against the Buffalo Bills wasn't major.
"Jay was just a little banged up after 32 carries," Gase said. "I think he'll be OK."
Gase expects Ajayi, who has rushed for 1,213 yards and scored eight touchdowns on 244 carries, to be cleared to play against the Patriots, and he said he has no intention of resting his players in the finale, even though the Dolphins have already qualified for the playoffs.
"We need to do everything we can to make sure we're 1-0 at the end of this week, so our guys are going to get ready," Gase said. "We're going to practice and see how many guys we got healthy.
"Our main focus is this week, and we're going to stick to the plan we've had all season of not looking past the opponent we have ahead."
The Dolphins (10-5) have already clinched one of the AFC's two wild-card spots, but Miami could push to get the fifth seed. They would need a victory over the Patriots (13-2) in Sunday's 1 p.m. game at Hard Rock Stadium, plus a Kansas City Chiefs loss at San Diego.
It is possible that the Dolphins could be without starting free safety Isa Abdul-Quddus, who suffered a neck injury against Buffalo.
Gase said Abdul-Quddus, who has 78 tackles, two interceptions and one sack this season, was undergoing an MRI on Monday, and his status remains uncertain.
If Abdul-Quddus can't play against New England, the Dolphins would likely pair Michael Thomas with Bacarri Rambo as the safety duo. Thomas made a career-high 11 tackles against Buffalo as Abdul-Quddus' replacement. He'd be returning to the position he started 13 games at last season.
Incorporating Walt Aikens into the base defense is also an option if Abdul-Quddus is out.
