Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel updated the statuses of several players who were injured in Miami’s 31-17 loss on Sunday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Dolphins received some good news on linebacker David Long Jr., who entered concussion protocol after colliding with teammate Jevon Holland on Sunday night.
Long apparently cleared concussion protocol, but it was just too late for him to return to the loss last night. However, that should put him in a good spot to play in Week 8.
Mike McDaniel said David Long Jr. cleared concussion protocol last night, but it was too late for him to get back into game.
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) October 23, 2023
This season, Long has started six of the Dolphins’ seven games. He’s been a key player for them on defense, totaling 51 tackles, four tackles for loss and one sack. He also forced a fumble over the first seven weeks.
Holland, who returned to the game after the collision, was not as lucky. The star safety reported concussion symptoms on Monday, and he has been placed in the league’s concussion protocol.
Jevon Holland, who collided with David Long Jr. during Sunday's game but then returned, was cleared in the game by the doctor. During follow up today, he reported symptoms so he's in concussion protocol.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) October 23, 2023
Losing Holland for Week 8 against the New England Patriots would be a massive blow to Miami’s secondary.
After starting all 17 games for the Dolphins last season, Holland has started six of the team’s seven games in the 2023 campaign.
He’s picked up 52 combined tackles, two tackles for loss and a league-high three forced fumbles so far this season. Miami is hoping that he can clear concussion protocol to be available against the Patriots.
McDaniel offered a negative update on offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn, who could miss weeks with a quad injury.
Miami has already been dealing with injuries to Terron Armstead (on injured reserve) and Connor Williams on the offensive line. That made it tough for the team to protect Tua Tagovailoa on Sunday. The Eagles were able to sack Tagovailoa three times.
On the bright side, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle appears to be good to practice this week after dealing with a back injury.
Isaiah Wynn’s quad injury could be weeks, according to Mike McDaniel. Jaylen Waddle seems likely to practice to start the week.
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) October 23, 2023
Waddle was originally listed as questionable to return by the Dolphins, but he ended up coming back into the game. The star wideout finished the contest with six catches for 63 yards on six targets.
The Dolphins will look to improve upon their 5-2 record when they host the Patriots at 1 p.m. EST on Sunday, Oct. 29.
