Miami Dolphins defensive back Byron Jones had a decent first season with the team in the 2021 campaign after signing a huge deal.
Many fans were hoping to see the one-time Pro Bowler continue his string of solid performances this season, but he has yet to appear in a game during the 2022 campaign for Miami after undergoing offseason surgery.
Mike McDaniel initially expressed confidence that the 30-year-old would be ready for the team’s season opener. However, it’s now Week 12 of the season, and Jones doesn’t really seem to be anywhere close to returning.
Despite that, McDaniel recently said that he’s “hopeful and optimistic” that Jones will play at some point this season.
McDaniel said he's "hopeful and optimistic" Byron will play this season at some point… Keion Crossen a question mark for Sunday vs Houston with shoulder; TBD if he can play https://t.co/sWtWqhl4Qy
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) November 21, 2022
Miami’s defensive backfield has been banged up all season long. Furthermore, star cornerback Xavien Howard has seemingly taken a bit of step back this season and hasn’t been his usual dominant self.
Getting Jones back at some point this season would be huge. The Dolphins have some tough games coming up, with the team set to face the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Chargers, Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots and others to close out the current regular season.
The Dolphins are currently in a great spot, as they lay claim to the No. 2 seed in the AFC with a 7-3 record. They have won four straight games and are firing on all cylinders right now.
Despite previous struggles on defense, the team was able to stifle Nick Chubb and the Cleveland Browns in Week 10. Star defensive lineman Myles Garrett even complimented the Dolphins for their game plan.
“The way they attacked us was very detailed in what they were trying to do,” he said. “Just had us out of position a lot of the time. It just seemed like when we tried to switch things up, they were a step ahead.”
Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle have led the team this season, but Miami will need to improve on defense in order to really make some noise in the playoffs.
Miami hasn’t made the postseason since the 2016 campaign, but it looks like it is set to end that drought this season.
