The Miami Dolphins received some concerning injury updates ahead of the team’s playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday.
Miami reportedly won’t have linebacker Jerome Baker (wrist) or lineback Andrew Van Ginkel (foot) against Kansas City. Both players may be out for the entire playoffs.
Dolphins LB Jerome Baker had wrist surgery and he’s been ruled out for Chiefs game Saturday + likely rest of playoffs. Same for Andrew Van Ginkel with foot injury out Saturday and likely rest of postseason.
More key defensive starters lost for Miami.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) January 8, 2024
In addition, outside linebacker Cameron Goode recently suffered a torn patellar tendon and is expected to be out for several months.
Prior to Week 18 against the Buffalo Bills, Baker had missed the team’s previous four matchups due to injury. He returned against Buffalo to make nine tackles, but he was injured once again.
During the regular season, Baker has made 78 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two interceptions and two tackles for loss for the Miami defense. A former third-round pick, Baker is a massive loss for this Dolphins defense.
As for Van Ginkel, he had become one of Miami’s best pass rushers this season. The linebacker played in all 17 of the team’s regular season games, making 11 starts. He recorded six sacks, 69 tackles and eight tackles for loss.
Van Ginkel also recovered a fumble this season. With Bradley Chubb done for the season, the Dolphins are extremely thin at the linebacker spot entering the playoffs.
Moreover, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel revealed that the team is “not planning” for star cornerback Xavien Howard to be able to play on Saturday against the Chiefs.
The defensive injuries continue to pile up for Miami, but McDaniel was optimistic that running back Raheem Mostert and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle – who both missed the team’s Week 18 loss to the Bills – will have a chance to play this week.
Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel said they are “not planning” for CB Xavien Howard to play Saturday vs. Chiefs.
LB Cam Goode also tore his patella tendon and will be out for the season.
Good news McDaniel reiterates he’s optimistic about Jaylen Waddle & Raheem Mostert chances to play.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) January 8, 2024
Miami needs all the help it can get, especially with so many defenders injured. The team already lost to the Chiefs during the regular season.
This season, Mostert has been great for the Dolphins, rushing for an NFL-high 18 touchdowns. He also cleared the 1,000-yard mark on the ground for the first time in his NFL career.
The Dolphins do have rookie running back De’Von Achane to help carry the load, but having both backs would make the team’s offense even more dynamic.
Waddle, who missed the team’s last two games against Baltimore and Buffalo, finished the regular season with 1,014 receiving yards and four receiving scores in 14 games.
If he can play, he will take some pressure – and attention – off of Tyreek Hill in the passing game.
The Dolphins and Chiefs are scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. EST on Saturday, Jan. 13.
