It’s far too early to call a game a must win spot. But with a similarly ranked AFC East opponent coming to town in the New England Patriots, this is one of those 50/50 games that will be very important if the Miami Dolphins are in a position to make a run at the end of the year.
Miami has enjoyed massive success over the Patriots in previous years, especially when those Yankees have been forced to make the trip to South Beach. However, if the Friday afternoon injury report is any indicator, the Dolphins may be significantly hobbled.
- RB Jaylen Wright (knee; limited) doubtful
- CB Ethan Bonner (hamstring; limited) doubtful
- S Ashtyn Davis (knee; limited) questionable
- TE Darren Waller (hip; did not practice) out
- RT Austin Jackson (toe; DNP) out
- NT Benito Jones (oblique; DNP) out
- CB Storm Duck (ankle; DNP) out
Notably wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has cleared the injury protocol and will be good to go Sunday. This is excellent news for Mike McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa who need all hands on deck while Darren Waller remains out.
Jaylen Wright
For running back Jaylen Wright, when he went down with a knee injury just a week ago he was never expected to return for the Patriots game Week 2. It would be unwise to allow the Week 1 result to be the catalyst to rush back a player who should be a contributor on this offense for the next 15 weeks.
He was a non participant in Wednesday’s practice, but was upgraded to a limited participant on Thursday and Friday. He is “doubtful”.
Ethan Bonner
Ethan Bonner went down with a hamstring injury in a preseason game just about a month ago on August 16th. Because of the lingering nature of these injuries, the team is making sure not to rush his return either. However, it is worth noting that he was not placed on the IR coming out of camp. This implies that the team expects Bonner to make his return before Week 5. But I seriously doubt that return will be Sunday afternoon.
He was a non participant on Wednesday and Thursday, but did a little bit during a light practice on Friday. He too is “doubtful”.
Ashtyn Davis
Ashtyn Davis was very fortunate two months ago when he went down with a non contact injury. Early reports feared that the young safety had torn his Achilles, however the 28-year-old escaped with a mild knee injury.
He played just 11 saps in Week 1, but was a limited participant at all three practices this week.
Ifeatu Melifonwu picked up the slack, making six tackles in the opener. Dante Trader Jr., the rookie fifth round pick out of Maryland, also looked very impressive in the opener. He recorded 22 snaps in his first career NFL game and earned a 75.4 run defense grade on PFF. He made three tackles and was the 22nd ranked strong safety out of 102 that played.
Davis will more likely than not be active on Sunday, but it is unclear what his role will look like as he battles to take snaps from these two impressive depth pieces.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Dolphins’ With 8 Players On Final Injured List Ahead Of Crucial Divisional Game appeared first on Heavy Sports.