The Miami Dolphins released several injury updates on players ahead of their crucial matchup in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel revealed that star receiver Tyreek Hill has not had a setback during practice this week and that he feels good about the star’s availability against Dallas.
Mike McDaniel says Tyreek Hill has had a good week with no setbacks, and he feels good about his availability for Sunday.
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) December 22, 2023
Hill missed the Dolphins’ Week 15 win over the New York Jets – the first game he’s missed this season – with an ankle injury. On the season, Hill has been dominant for the Dolphins, catching 97 of his 132 targets for 1,542 yards and 12 touchdowns.
He leads the NFL in receiving yards and touchdowns, and he could still make a push for a 2,000-yard receiving season if he has a few good games in Weeks 16, 17 and 18.
The Dolphins are also expected to have rookie running back De’Von Achane, who is dealing with a toe injury, in action against Dallas.
Dolphins RB De’Von Achane is expected to play Sunday vs the Cowboys
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) December 22, 2023
He played against the Jets, carrying the ball nine times for 32 yards. He also recorded three receptions for 30 yards.
Achane has been in and out of the lineup this season, and he’d recently been dealing with a knee injury that forced him to miss time while on injured reserve. After returning from injured reserve, he missed another game because of the knee injury.
The Dolphins will be down a key piece of their offensive line against Dallas as Robert Hunt was ruled out by McDaniel.
However, former first-round pick Austin Jackson still has a shot to play. That’s a good sign for Tua Tagovailoa and company against a lethal Dallas defense that features pass rusher Micah Parsons.
Mike McDaniel rules out Rob Hunt, not ruling out right tackle Austin Jackson for Dolphins-Cowboys.
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) December 22, 2023
In the secondary, the Dolphins are hoping to have cornerback Xavien Howard and safety Jevon Holland healthy.
Holland practiced on Thursday, but McDaniel wants to see how both players fare in practice on Friday.
DeShon Elliott also has a chance to return, as he is in the final stages of concussion protocol.
Mike McDaniel said he needs to see how Jevon Holland and Xavien Howard practice today. McDaniel said Howard had an encouraging practice Thursday.
DeShon Elliott is in the final stages of protocol, and McDaniel hopes to have him make it all the way through after Friday.
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) December 22, 2023
Week 16 is a huge game for the Dolphins, as they’d love to take down Dallas to help solidify a top spot in the AFC. Miami has three tough games to finish the season against the Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills.
The Dolphins and Cowboys are scheduled to kick off at 4:25 p.m. EST on Sunday, Dec. 24.
