The Miami Dolphins offense has been ravaged by injuries this season, with nearly every position taking a significant hit at some point in 2023.
Thankfully for head coach Mike McDaniel and QB Tua Tagovailoa, it looks like some key pieces will be back in the lineup for Sunday’s pivotal Week 16 bout against the Dallas Cowboys.
Mike McDaniel ‘Feels Good’ About Tyreek Hill, While De’Von Achane Is Good To Go
McDaniel expressed optimism about Tyreek Hill’s chances to take on the Cowboys this week. After noting that the star wideout has had a good week of practice without suffering any setbacks to his ankle, McDaniel told the assembled press corps on Friday, “We’ll see how he does today. Feel good about him … he’ll be out there working, so excited about that.”
If Hill, who’s officially listed as questionable, is unable to play, the Dolphins will again lean on fellow wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, something the team did with great success in Week 15 against a talented New York Jets secondary. Last week, Waddle racked up eight receptions on nine targets for 142 yards and a touchdown.
Offensive coordinator Frank Smith discussed this week how pleased the team was to see Waddle step up in Hill’s absence. “I think it’s a testament to who he is. He knew what time it was. He and Tua obviously work together well. I think when you get moments to showcase like that, you can’t be more proud of the guy.”
Elsewhere at the skill positions, the team is expecting to have running back De’Von Achane (toe) on Sunday. The rookie sensation has been battling a toe injury this week and sat out Wednesday’s practice, but he was able to return in a limited fashion thereafter and is without an official designation.
On Achane’s veteran counterpart, Raheem Mostert (knee/ankle), McDaniel said that Mostert’s consecutive DNP designations are nothing to worry about and merely a function of getting the 31-year-old tailback extra rest this late in the season.
“At this point in our relationship, I’m like, ‘I don’t care, Raheem. You’re not practicing,'” McDaniel noted in a joking tone about Mostert’s reluctance to miss practice. “And then he says, ‘OK.’ And that’s how that works.”
MORE: How Miami Dolphins’ Jaylen Waddle Has Managed Life as WR2
Along the offensive line, where the Dolphins have suffered significant losses due to injury, the team is once again left in limbo regarding who might be available come game time.
McDaniel ruled out right guard Robert Hunt (hamstring) for the third straight week, while right tackle Austin Jackson (oblique), has a chance to play. Jackson left last week’s game early and didn’t return, though McDaniel mentioned earlier this week that the nature of his injury is less serious than the oblique issue that forced EDGE Jaelan Phillips to miss multiple contests early in the season.
Jackson practiced for the first time this week on Friday and is listed as questionable. Kendall Lamm, who’s filled in for Terron Armstead at left tackle several times this season, is expected to play in place of Jackson at right tackle if the latter is forced to sit.
Armstead (knee/ankle), who returned from injury last week, practiced in a limited fashion on Thursday and Friday after sitting out on Wednesday. He is listed without a designation and is set to be active on game day.
Center Liam Eichenberg, who battled through a calf injury to play last week, is good to go after practicing all week. “I feel fine every game day. It doesn’t matter what I’m dealing with, I’m going to be out there trying to help the team win,” Eichenberg said on Thursday.
On defense, Miami is facing several questions in the secondary. Star safety Jevon Holland (knees) hasn’t played since late November, and veteran cornerback Xavien Howard missed last week’s matchup with a hip injury.
“We’ll see how today progresses … Xavien specifically had some encouraging practice … both of them I’m not feeling at liberty to say what they’re going to feel like tomorrow,” McDaniel said about two of his top defensive backs. Both are officially listed as questionable.
If Holland is again unable to play, Brandon Jones and DeShon Elliott are expected to be the top two safeties for Miami. Elliott was in the final stages of the concussion protocol, and McDaniel said on Friday that he was hopeful that Elliott would be cleared soon. Given that he’s listed without a designation on the final injury report, it appears Elliott cleared the protocols after Friday’s practice.
If Howard is unable to go, Eli Apple should be active and see significant snaps.
For the Cowboys, defensive tackle DT Jonathan Hankins (knee/ankle) is out, All-Pro OT Tyron Smith is doubtful, and star G Zack Martin (thigh) and S Malik Hooker (ankle) are listed as questionable.
Miami Dolphins vs. Dallas Cowboys Week 16 Injury Report
Miami Dolphins
Out
- G Robert Hunt (hamstring)
Questionable
- WR Tyreek Hill (ankle)
- S Jevon Holland (knees)
- CB Xavien Howard (hip)
- CB Cam Smith (hamstring)
- DB Elijah Campbell (knee)
- OT Austin Jackson (oblique)
- DE Emmanuel Ogbah (hamstring)
Dallas Cowboys
Out
- DT Johnathan Hankins (knee/ankle)
Doubtful
- OT Tyron Smith (back)
Questionable
- S Malik Hooker (ankle)
- G Zack Martin (thigh)
- DE Viliami Fehoko (knee)
- OT Matt Waletzko (shoulder)
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