"The Patriots will face the Dolphins tomorrow night without running back Fred Taylor, a reality they prepared for all last week.

Taylor, who has been battling a toe injury for two weeks, missed his fourth consecutive practice yesterday. The team officially ruled him out shortly afterward.

That means Miami will see plenty of BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who impressed last week with 98 yards rushing against the Bills.

"However many reps you take, you still have to be ready," Green-Ellis said.

That Taylor will miss the game is no surprise. Coach Bill Belichick had added Thomas Clayton to his running back group Thursday. Asked if that was related to Taylor's toe injury, Belichick said, "Yeah, definitely. It gives us a little more depth at that position."

The diminutive Clayton, who was in camp with the Patriots before landing with the Browns practice squad, didn't know if he would be active tomorrow night. He said he would be ready, anyway."