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Report: Miami Dolphins add Xavien Howard to inactive list ahead of Week 5 matchup vs. New York Jets

Xavien Howard

The Miami Dolphins will be without a key defender when they face the New York Jets on Sunday.

Cornerback Xavien Howard is reportedly among those who will not suit up versus the Jets.

Howard had been tagged as questionable to play several days earlier due to a groin injury. The report of him being on the inactive list certainly deals a blow to the team’s odds of winning its Week 5 matchup.

Although his numbers have not stood out so far in four games this season, the 29-year-old has undoubtedly been one of the Dolphins’ best defensive players in recent years.

Even teammate Tyreek Hill, who is known for being one of the league’s most dangerous deep receivers, expressed that he was “sick” of having to go up against Howard during the offseason because of the cornerback’s ability to lock him up.

Howard is a first-team All-Pro selection in 2020 and a three-time Pro Bowl selection. He also led the league in interceptions in the 2018 and 2020 campaigns.

This campaign, he has four passes defended and 14 combined tackles.

It remains to be seen how the Dolphins are going to address Howard’s absence. Hopefully, they can find some answers in order to get back on the winning track.

Miami opened the season with three consecutive wins. Unfortunately, the Cincinnati Bengals put a stop to the streak during their Week 4 contest, defeating the Dolphins 27-15.

The Dolphins might need to dig deep in looking for ways to come out with a victory against the Jets. Not only will they be missing Howard, but they will also be without the services of rising star Tua Tagovailoa.

Coach Mike McDaniel recently confirmed that the young quarterback is still in the league’s concussion protocol. Fortunately, his MRI on Friday came back clean, which could signify that Tagovailoa will not be out for that long.

Teddy Bridgewater is set to start for Miami in place of Tagovailoa. The veteran quarterback recently offered a heartwarming message about playing for his hometown team.