Malik Willis participated fully in the Miami Dolphins’ practice Wednesday despite a right-thumb injury, giving Miami an encouraging update at quarterback as it prepares to visit the New York Jets.
The injury affected Willis’ throwing hand and explains why he did not throw during a bye-week practice.
Head coach Jeff Hafley had expressed optimism about Willis on Monday, explaining that Miami rested him during an earlier-than-usual practice following its last game.
“So just rested him on that, but I foresee him being good to go today and then back to normal,” Hafley said.
The Dolphins are returning from their Week 6 bye with an 0-5 record.
Hafley already ruled out benching Willis for Kyle McCord after Miami’s loss to Cincinnati, so the quarterback’s health was a separate question from the coach’s commitment to keeping him in the starting role.
Dolphins’ Wednesday injury report ahead of Jets game
Willis was one of five full participants on Miami’s official Wednesday injury report. Six players were limited, while cornerback Reese Taylor was the only Dolphin listed as not practicing.
| Player | Injury | Wednesday participation |
|---|---|---|
| Malik Willis | Right thumb | Full |
| Jordyn Brooks | Foot | Full |
| Jonah Savaiinaea | Ankle | Full |
| Julius Brents | Heel | Full |
| Jackson Woodard | Ankle | Full |
| Jaylen Wright | Foot | Limited |
| Caleb Douglas | Ankle | Limited |
| Kyle Louis | Knee | Limited |
| Will Kacmarek | Hamstring | Limited |
| Rob Beal Jr. | Hamstring | Limited |
| Tucker Addington | Shoulder | Limited |
| Reese Taylor | Quad | Did not participate |
These are practice designations, rather than final decisions on who will play Sunday. The Jets also listed running back Breece Hall as a non-participant with a quad injury.
Caleb Douglas and Jaylen Wright remain limited
While Willis handled a full practice, Miami still has questions elsewhere on offense. Douglas described his status Wednesday as day by day, leaving the receiver’s availability unsettled.
Hafley said Monday that the Dolphins had missed Douglas and wanted to see how he responded as his workload increased. The coach also acknowledged that Wright had aggravated his injury, making the running back’s progress another issue to monitor through the week.
Savaiinaea’s full participation offered a more positive development on the offensive line after Hafley said the guard would be limited Monday.
On defense, Louis returned to practice as Miami opened his return window. Hafley emphasized getting the rookie reacclimated after several weeks away.
Dolphins safety Kyle Louis will indeed have his practice window opened, as coach Jeff Hafley expected Monday. He said he's excited to just get him back out there after several weeks without practice, as he gets reacclimated.
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) October 21, 2026
