Mike McDaniel offers latest update on Jerome Baker after scary injury vs. Washington Commanders

Published by

David Akerman

2 years ago

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

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.

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.

Given Baker’s status, it makes sense why the Dolphins are reportedly scheduled to work out former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster.

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.

McDaniel praised Riley on Tuesday.

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.

David Akerman

David is a University of Maryland graduate who grew up most of his life in Miami. He has experience in writing, editing and video production, and he's excited to be able to contribute to Dolphin Nation.