Dolphins’ McDaniel addresses Tyreek Hill, Howard, Jackson, other injuries. And Suh update

Dolphins right guard Robert Hunt will miss a third consecutive game (and fifth overall) against Dallas, but the Dolphins expect Tyreek Hill to return from an ankle injury on Sunday against the visiting Cowboys, barring a setback.

Hill “has had a good week, no setbacks... feel good about him” for Sunday, McDaniel said, cautioning that Hill must get through Friday’s practice without a setback.

McDaniel said right tackle Austin Jackson - who missed Wednesday and Thursday practices with an oblique injury - shouldn’t be ruled out at this point because he will practice on a limited basis Friday.

Every Dolphins player on the 53-man roster was at practice except Hunt.

McDaniel said he expects running back De’Von Achane (who is dealing with a toe injury) to play Sunday. Though starter Raheem Mostert didn’t practice Wednesday or Thursday, he’s also expected to play on Sunday.

Cornerback Xavien Howard, who missed the Jets game with a hip injury, said he’s good to go for Sunday. But he needs the go-ahead from trainers, and it’s unclear if that will be granted.

“Xavien yesterday had some encouraging practices and didn’t have a step back.” McDaniel said Friday. He said there’s no decision on his status for Sunday and a decision would be made “with all parties involved” including trainers.

Safety Jevon Holland, who has missed three games with sprained MCLs in both knees, seems not especially likely to play Sunday. He did stretching exercises inside the indoor facility but didn’t join his teammates outside for practice, at least during the portion open to reporters.

The Dolphins have been cautious with injuries this season in part to protect the players from themselves. Is there a point in the season when McDaniel allows the players to have more say?

“That adjusts as the season progresses and as you develop relationships with people,” McDaniel said, suggesting that players might have more say the later the season goes.

He also mentioned that if a player says he’s ready to play, but a trainer doesn’t believe a player is ready, there’s a risk of that player leaving the game early with an injury and “that tangibly affects the rest of the team” because of game-day roster limitations.

On another note, McDaniel said safety DeShon Elliott, who is out of concussion protocol, will continue to increase his practice workload.

McDaniel addressed other issues during his Friday news conference, heading into Sunday’s 4:25 p.m. home game on Fox:

▪ McDaniel said the Dolphins had a “nice discussion” with Ndamukong Suh but no signing is imminent.

“Chris Grier does not stay bored ever. There’s a list he doesn’t need to dust off because it doesn’t accumulate dust. It’s important we explore all scenarios.”

▪ On Dallas: “We are going to get their best shot. We’ve built up all year to have a challenge like this, so we’re excited to take it.”

▪ On McDaniel blaming himself for some play calls when he speaks with his team, which was on display on HBO’s Hard Knocks this week: “If you want accountable players, you better be accountable at every turn for yourself. That is the least these players deserve.”

▪ McDaniel said he scripts the Dolphins’ first 24 offensive plays each game. He generally sticks to them, with some variation based on down and distance and defensive looks.

When “the play is called; I have about thee plays in my mind,” he said. “One for an earned first down, one for a zero or negative gain and one for half a gain. If first and 10, the next play call is 1st down, 2nd and 5 or 2nd and 10.”

McDaniel, on how much offensive coordinator Frank Smith speaks to him in his headset with play suggestions: He knows “things to say and timing to say them and keeps me from deviating from a certain course or gets me on the right track. It’s collaborative. We are all trying to have the best play called available to us.

“It goes to every position coach. People will chime in. The idea of talking just to talk [is discouraged]. We aren’t too heavy verbally on game day. People know to speak when adding an extra piece of information that could be helpful.”