"Fred Taylor left the Patriots locker room saying he wasn't sure if he'd make the trip to South Florida. He joked that he "might" see everyone when the Patriots play the Dolphins today at 1 p.m.

Yet thanks to ankle ligaments that the running back tore in early October, he only practiced for the first time on Friday. Coach Bill Belichick had said his status still was up in the air as of late Friday.

"I'd say it's a little bit of a question mark," Belichick said. "What happens between Friday and (today), it could go three different ways really."

Yet late last night, the Pats officially shut the door on Taylor returning.

The team announced he was inactive, one of five players not making the trip. Along with Taylor, receiver Julian Edelman, cornerback Shawn Springs, special teamer Bret Lockett and offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer were all declared out."