Dolphins’ McDaniel updates status of Tyreek Hill and others. And two starters ruled out
The Dolphins will be without safety DeShon Elliott and guard Rob Hunt on Sunday against the Jets, but the team says there is no clarity yet on the availability of several other players.
That group includes receiver Tyreek Hill, who will not practice on Friday but has not been ruled out for Sunday’s home game against the Jets (1 p.m., CBS).
Hill hasn’t practiced all week because of Monday night’s ankle injury, but coach Mike McDaniel said Hill “would be able to practice if he didn’t have the standard of practice he has.”
McDaniel said it’s undetermined if Hill will play Sunday.
“When we talk, if he’s confident he can go be himself and [have the] support of trainers that are responsible to the risk, then he will play,” McDaniel said. “If not, he won’t.... I handle experienced players different from younger guys.”
Others with uncertain game statuses for Sunday’s game against the visiting Jets (1 p.m., CBS): left tackle Terron Armstead (ankle/knees), center Liam Eichenberg (calf), safety Jevon Holland (knees), running back De’Von Achane (toe) and cornerback Xavien Howard (hip).
All five of those players were scheduled to practice on Friday, at least to some extent.
In the wake of Connor Williams’ season-ending knee injury, McDaniel said he wasn’t sure who would start at center if Eichenberg cannot play.
Options include newcomer Jonotthan Harrison (who hasn’t appeared in an NFL game since 2019), practice squad center Matt Skura, practice squad guard Chasen Hines and guard Lester Cotton.
Harrison and Skura were scheduled to have their first full practice with the team on Friday. Miami didn’t practice on Wednesday and had a walk-through on Thursday.
Cotton seemingly would be needed at guard (opposite Robert Jones) because starters Hunt and Isaiah Wynn are out, and because Eichenberg would be needed at center if he’s healthy enough to play.
As for Elliott, he remains in concussion protocol. Brandon Jones likely would replace him. If Holland cannot play for a third consecutive game, Elijah Campbell or Nik Needham would be needed as the other starting safety.
Hunt will miss a fifth game this season with a hamstring injury.
McDaniel said his players look “eager” to play again after Monday’s 28-27 heartbreaking loss to Tennessee.
“On the surface, you are generally kind of worried about that, but for me, this team, this week, I’m not,” McDaniel said. “They are eager to go make some things right.”
