It’s December in the NFL, and that means injuries have piled up for all 32 of the league’s clubs. But it wouldn’t by hyperbole to say that the Miami Dolphins are among the league’s most unlucky teams when it comes to injuries to key players as we head into Week 15.
Miami’s Week 15 injury report is longer than your last Costco receipt. Seriously.
Tyreek Hill, Xavien Howard, and De’Von Achane Among Dolphins Players in Doubt for Week 15
The Dolphins already lost center Connor Williams (torn ACL), who was playing at an All-Pro level, for the season last week.
And the only player who both has any significant experience at center and more than one week of familiarity with the team’s playbook, Liam Eichenberg, also emerged from last week’s devastating loss to the Tennessee Titans banged up. But the team’s list of ailments extends far beyond the center position.
Players officially questionable for Week 15 include Tyreek Hill (ankle), Eichenberg (calf), RB De’Von Achane (toe), RB Chris Brooks (knee), OT Terron Armstead (knee/ankle), OT Austin Jackson (oblique), S Jevon Holland (knees), CB Xavien Howard (hip), and LB Andrew Van Ginkel (oblique).
That list is in addition to starting G Robert Hunt (hamstring) and starting S DeShon Elliott (concussion), both of whom have been ruled out.
Hill is a true game-time decision, with McDaniel telling reporters on Friday: “When we talk, if he’s confident he can go be himself and [we have the] support of trainers that are responsible to the risk, then he will play. If not, he won’t.”
Miami’s tackle position has a chance to be the only one on the OL sporting both Week 1 starters. Jackson managed to gut through an oblique injury and played 100% of the team’s snaps on Monday night. He also practiced all week, though he was limited much of the time.
MORE: Vic Fangio Explains What Went Wrong in Miami Dolphins’ Week 14 Collapse
As for Armstead, McDaniel expressed some optimism on Wednesday that the veteran tackle will be able to play after missing the Titans game. “I think Armstead is more conceivable [compared to Hunt]. It will be day-to-day with him. It’s part of just knowing what type of game it’s going to be and then the games ahead, specifically one with a short week, I think it made it more difficult to play Armstead last night.”
If Armstead is unable to play, Kendall Lamm is likely to get his seventh start of the season at left tackle.
Achane and Mostert both emerged from Week 14 with injuries. Mostert has been battling a knee issue for much of the season, and it flared up against Tennessee, causing him to leave the field for a few plays, though he quickly returned. He returned to the practice field on Thursday after sitting out Wednesday and has been cleared for Sunday. Achane missed both Wednesday and Thursday but practiced on Friday.
Expect veteran RB Jeff Wilson Jr. to see extended playing time if Achane is unable to suit up.
Holland has now missed two games with injuries to both of his knees, though he appears close to returning. Miami’s stud safety has practiced in at least some capacity all week and told WQAM on Wednesday that he’s optimistic about this week.
Brandon Jones is already expected to play significant snaps with Elliott out, meaning Elijah Campbell and possibly Nik Needham will likely rotate in to replace Holland if necessary.
Howard, was forced from action against the Titans before quickly retaking the field and sat out Wednesday’s practice before returning on Thursday. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said on Thursday that Eli Apple, rookie Cam Smith, and Kader Kohou (who usually mans the slot) are all options to replace Howard on the boundary if the Pro Bowl CB is unable to play on Sunday.
As for the Jets, head coach Robert Saleh ruled out WR Jason Brownlee and RT Carter Warren. Fellow RT Max Mitchell is 50-50 to play, meaning the Dolphins could be facing former Dolphins draft pick Billy Turner at tackle on Sunday.
Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets Week 15 Injury Report
Miami Dolphins
Out
- G Robert Hunt (hamstring)
- S DeShon Elliott (concussion)
Questionable
- WR Tyreek Hill (ankle)
- C Liam Eichenberg (calf)
- RB De’Von Achane (toe)
- RB Chris Brooks (knee)
- OT Terron Armstead (knee/ankle)
- OT Austin Jackson (oblique)
- S Jevon Holland (knees)
- CB Xavien Howard (hip)
- LB Andrew Van Ginkel (oblique)
New York Jets
Out
- WR Jason Brownlee (ankle)
- QB Aaron Rodgers (Achilles)
Doubtful
- RT Carter Warren (hip)
Questionable
- C Joe Tippmann (shoulder)
- OL Max Mitchell (neck)
- FB Nick Bawden (knee)
- DL John Franklin-Myers (ankle)
- DL Will McDonald IV (knee)
This section will be updated when the team releases its final official injury report.
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