The Miami Dolphins suffered more than just a loss in the standings during Monday’s game against the Tennessee Titans.
According to Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, offensive lineman Connor Williams is out for the season after suffering a torn ACL against Tennessee.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Tyreek Hill is considered day-to-day with an ankle injury, and safety DeShon Elliott is currently in concussion protocol.
McDaniel says Tyreek is day to day and Connor Williams out for season with torn ACL
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) December 12, 2023
DeShon Elliott is in the concussion protocol after reporting symptoms, McDaniel said.
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) December 12, 2023
McDaniel offered some insight on where the Dolphins will go from here regarding their offensive line.
McDaniel said Dolphins might sign a center. Liam starter at center at this point. Cotton, starting at guard amid injuries, is taking snaps at center and is backup center, pending addition of a veteran from outside. https://t.co/Gbo59icGGn
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) December 12, 2023
Terron Armstead returning is more conceivable at this point than Robert Hunt, Mike McDaniel said.
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) December 12, 2023
Liam has "bumps and bruises," McDaniel said, which seems to add even more urgency to adding a veteran center https://t.co/3ctNcZf8Ju
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) December 12, 2023
The loss of Williams is a tough pill to swallow for the Dolphins, who will have to go the remainder of the campaign without a player who made 17 starts in the 2022 regular season and nine in the 2023 regular season.
Meanwhile, Elliott’s status will be worth monitoring in the coming days. The 26-year-old has made 12 starts this season, and along the way, he has totaled six passes defended, a fumble recovery and 60 combined tackles.
Hill, on the other hand, hasn’t missed a game this season, and the hope is that trend will continue. The veteran leads the NFL in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns in the 2023 campaign.
The Dolphins have a winnable game coming up against the New York Jets, but after that, the squad will have to navigate perhaps its toughest stretch of the season. Miami will close the regular season with games against the Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills.
McDaniel’s team still has a solid lead in the AFC East thanks to a strong 9-4 record, but the loss to the Titans could end up hurting the Dolphins as far as seeding is concerned. The Baltimore Ravens now own the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a 10-3 record.
Miami will look to wash away the taste of Monday’s loss when it faces New York this coming weekend. The Jets are just 5-8 this season, though they did pick up an impressive win this past weekend against the Houston Texans.
The Dolphins have some work to do in order to address their latest injury woes and get back on track in time for the playoffs.
