The Miami Dolphins have their work cut out for them in Week 10 as they take on the second-place Buffalo Bills in South Beach. Their uphill battle seems to have gotten a little bit steeper as head coach Mike McDaniel announced Friday that the defense is preparing to take on Buffalo without two key pieces.
Chop Robinson, who has spent all week in the concussion protocol, has been downgraded to doubtful ahead of the division matchup.
Additionally, starting cornerback Rasul Douglas faces the same fate. Douglas is dealing with a foot injury that has caused him to miss every practice this week.
Other defensive contributors, like Ifeatu Melifonwu and Ashtyn Davis, have been limited participants but are trending towards playing in the beat-up secondary.
Mike McDaniel on Rasul Douglas
The veteran Rasul Douglas spent his last two seasons playing alongside the visiting Buffalo Bills. His four interceptions for Buffalo in 2023 were the last time he has gotten his hands on a pass.
Coach McDaniel has been hesitant to put the leash all the way on the 30-year-old defensive back, but he says the coaching staff is preparing for the worst.
“I’m preparing as though [Douglas won’t play] but not shutting the door because of how he’s really attacked – he’s left zero question as to how bad he wants to play in this game to his teammates,” McDaniel said according to Adam Sites of USA Today. “He’s done everything he can and I know he’ll continue to, so I will leave open the possibility, but I’m preparing for him not to.”
Mike McDaniel on Chop Robinson
After sending away the team’s most promising pass rusher, the Fins cannot afford to be short-handed on the edge. Miami has recorded 20 sacks on the short season, putting them smack dab in the middle of the pack.
The second-year man out of Penn State, who recorded six sacks his rookie season, has played in every game this year. Despite that, he has only gotten to the quarterback one time.
“I think he is progressing through the [concussion] protocol,” McDaniel said of Robinson. “I think it’s important for me to apply the same (as) Rasul where I’m prepared for him not to play but not ruling it out, letting the process fully be completed. I think the timing and where we’re at, I’m just prepared for him not to.”
The Dolphins undoubtedly want to get Robinson going as they head into a top-to-bottom rebuild.
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