The Miami Dolphins have downplayed the injury to Xavien Howard, a knee issue that will cause him to miss today’s game against the New England Patriots. Howard has been described as “week-to-week” as he deals with the injury, though the Dolphins have not provided any details on the exact issue, other than saying it occurred on Howard’s second interception of last week’s win over the Buffalo Bills.

According to a report from the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Howard has a meniscus injury which required surgery this week. Rapoport added that the arthroscopic procedure, which trimmed his meniscus to clean up the injury, is so minor that Howard could be available next week when the Dolphins travel to visit the Minnesota Vikings.

Howard currently leads the NFL with seven interceptions this season and has become a shutdown cornerback for the Dolphins. He is having a Pro Bowl season and his absence on Sunday against the Patriots and Tom Brady will be difficult for Miami to overcome. However, the report from Rapoport seems to indicate Howard has a chance at being back by next week.