On Friday, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel offered several injury updates for the team ahead of its game against the New England Patriots.
The Dolphins, who sit at 5-2 through the first seven weeks of the season, are looking for a second win over New England in the 2023 campaign.
Dolphins safety Jevon Holland, who was injured in the team’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last week, is not out of concussion protocol. However, the team could have two key members of its secondary available in Xavien Howard and Jalen Ramsey.
McDaniel did not commit to the two star corners playing, but he did reveal that the team has prepared for multiple situations surrounding their statuses.
McDaniel said he doesn't "have a clue" whether Xavien or Jalen will play Sunday and they're prepared for any of those 3 permutations (one playing, neither playing, both playing) https://t.co/vf9P21F579
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) October 27, 2023
Howard missed the team’s Week 7 game against Philly with an injury. Ramsey, who was acquired in a deal with the Los Angeles Rams this past offseason, has not played yet with the Dolphins due to a torn meniscus.
The team would love to get Ramsey, a six-time Pro-Bowler, back in action to face the Patriots.
For Ramsey to be active, the team would need to clear a spot on its 53-man roster. It’s possible that rookie cornerback Cam Smith will be moved to injured reserve to make that happen.
Smith left practice earlier this week with a foot injury, but McDaniel didn’t commit to moving him to injured reserve just yet.
Dolphins will need to clear spot on 53 for Ramsey….Cam Smith left Wednesday practice with foot injury. Is IR a possibility for that? McDaniel: "Not totally thinking that. [But] not saying it's off the table."
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) October 27, 2023
On the offensive side of the ball, offensive lineman Connor Williams appears to be trending in the right direction for Sunday’s game. McDaniel believes that he will likely be active. The 26-year-old has missed three of the team’s last four games with a groin injury.
On Connor Williams – who has missed 3 of past 4 games with groin – McDaniel said of Sunday's game: "My gut tells me he'll be active. Not sure yet if he's going to start."
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) October 27, 2023
The Dolphins also should have star receiver Tyreek Hill in action despite the fact that he’s been dealing with a hip injury.
McDaniel said he expects Tyreek to play Sunday. "He's done well" with hip.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) October 27, 2023
The seven-time Pro Bowler already has 53 catches on 74 targets this season, and he’s leading the NFL with 902 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns.
New England is just 2-5 this season, but the team upset the Buffalo Bills in Week 7. The Dolphins certainly don’t want to take the Patriots lightly, and they’d love to have as many of these players ready to go as possible for Sunday’s contest.
