Dolphins’ Terron Armstead back at practice. And McDaniel talks other injuries, Germany

As the Dolphins began preparation for the Kansas City Chiefs in Germany on Wednesday, a key member of the offense returned to practice.

Terron Armstead was at practice, signaling his 21-day return window has opened after the left tackle missed the last four games on injured reserve because of a knee injury. Armstead, who did not play in the first two games of the season because of injury, was limited.

“We’ll see how he responds to the effort and we’ll assess that the next day and do the same the following day,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said before practice upon announcing Armstead’s return.

More positive injury developments followed along the offensive line, which was down four starters at one point in the team’s win against the New England Patriots.

McDaniel said center Connor Williams, who has missed the last three games because of a groin injury, “appreciates” being held out to avoid reaggravating his ailment. He was active but did not start against the Patriots. Williams was limited in practice.

Starting right guard Robert Hunt, who left and did not return against the Patriots after injuring his hamstring in the second quarter, did not practice but remains “day to day,” McDaniel said. McDaniel said the team hopes to get Hunt at practice sometime this week.

On defense, starting safety Jevon Holland, who did not play against the Patriots because of concussion protocol, has been cleared and is on track to play against the Chiefs.

“It was irritating [not] to be on the field,” said Holland, who is second on the team with 55 tackles. “There’s a lot of plays out there, guys were flying around and I was missing the fun. So, I definitely was having a little FOMO on the sideline.”

However, fellow safety Brandon Jones, who started in place of Holland, did not practice and is back in Miami going through concussion protocol after he took a helmet-to-helmet blow late against New England. McDaniel did not rule out Jones joining the team in Frankfurt later this week.

On cornerback Xavien Howard, who has missed two straight games because of a groin injury, McDaniel compared his situation to Williams’.

“I feel great now. I’m ready to play this weekend,” said Howard, who was limited in practice. “Dealing with a little groin but the team took care of me, so I’m ready to play now.”

If Howard plays, it will mark the first game together for him and Jalen Ramsey, who made his debut against the Patriots. With Holland also returning to the field, Miami would have its entire projected starting defense on the field for its matchup against the defending Super Bowl champions.

“We’re all ready to play together and get this defense rolling,” Howard said.

Tight end Durham Smythe (ankle) and running back Raheem Mostert (ankle) also did not practice but were seen working on the side during the portion open to media. Smythe was seen on Monday with a walking boot on his foot, while Mostert missed practice last Wednesday because of an ankle injury but returned on Thursday and played against the Patriots.

Wide receiver River Cracraft (shoulder), who has yet to be activated from IR, and cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey (knee) and Nik Needham (Achilles) were also limited.

Germany experience

The Dolphins arrived in Frankfurt on Tuesday, allowing players to use their off day to explore the city before focusing their attention on the Chiefs.

McDaniel said his time in Germany has been focused on meetings and watching film, but he said it’s been a “fantastic experience for a lot of our locker room,” crediting the team’s support staff for coordinating the travel.

“It’s pretty surreal that the game of football has really shaped my life,” he said. “When you look at it, everything that is good in my life has come through the game of football. I met my wife in a place coaching football. To be a part of the National Football League and being able to play in front of fans that are newer to the game or are really big fans of the NFL but don’t get to see any live, I know exactly what that is like as a fan. So, it’s a privilege.”

Trade deadline

The Dolphins did not make any moves on trade deadline day Tuesday, but McDaniel said the team is in a “great spot,” noting the several players who are set to return from injury.

“That speaks to where we’re at with our football team,” he said. “We’ve been playing some good football and then we have some players that are very good players that are returning. That means there’s a lot of people executing on all three phases at every position, so feeling pretty good about that.”