Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel provided the latest news on linebacker Jerome Baker, who hurt his knee during the team’s game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
Dolphins LB Jerome Baker is “week to week” and won’t go on IR, Mike McDaniel said.
Baker is dealing with an MCL injury that doesn’t need surgery.
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) December 5, 2023
Many were worried about Baker following the game, but he seems to have the avoided the worst-case scenario.
Baker got injured during the second quarter of Miami’s 45-15 win as he was chasing Commanders wide receiver Curtis Samuel. He wound up getting floored by Dolphins safety Brandon Jones, who dealt with his own knee injury last season.
Prayers up for #Dolphins #JeromeBaker…🐬🏈🏟️😬🙏🏻 #FinsUp #MIAvsWAS pic.twitter.com/Tm2ipa5n2D
— Scott Maier (@samaier) December 3, 2023
Given Baker’s status, it makes sense why the Dolphins are reportedly scheduled to work out former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster.
Former 49ers’ first-round pick Reuben Foster, who has played for the USFL’s Pittsburgh Maulers after spending time in the NFL with San Francisco and Washington, is scheduled to work out Wednesday for the Miami Dolphins.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 4, 2023
Baker has played in and started all 12 Dolphins games this season, registering 69 combined tackles, two interceptions, three passes defended, four quarterback hits and 1.5 sacks.
He continues to be a key part of the Dolphins’ defense, as he’s played 87 percent of Miami’s defensive snaps so far this season.
Miami doesn’t have the toughest games coming, as it is set to host the Tennessee Titans in Week 14 and New York Jets in Week 15. Both teams have struggling offenses, so the Dolphins might be able to afford holding Baker out for at least a couple of weeks.
Veteran Duke Riley is next in line on the team’s depth chart, and he did a solid job filling in for Baker against the Commanders. Riley finished with eight total tackles and said he felt like he had to do his job for Baker.
Duke Riley, who came in for Jerome Baker after his knee injury: “I felt like I had to do my job for him.”
Riley finished with seven tackles and made the calls for the defense, a job that normally belongs to Baker. pic.twitter.com/SFrO0YeHmB
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) December 3, 2023
McDaniel praised Riley on Tuesday.
Mike McDaniel said Duke Riley did "a tremendous job" Sunday at Washington. Riley filled in for Jerome Baker after his knee injury.
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) December 5, 2023
The Dolphins have five games left in the regular season and appear primed to make a deep playoff run. They currently hold the No. 1 seed in the AFC after the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars both lost in Week 13.
Miami has the same record as the Baltimore Ravens (9-3), but it holds the tiebreaker due to having a better division record. The Dolphins and Ravens are slated to face off against each other in Week 17 in a game that could define who clinches home-field advantage in the AFC.
As Miami’s game against the Titans gets closer, more updates should be provided on Baker and his status.
