The Miami Dolphins play their biggest game of the year (so far) Sunday in Western New York. But it’s looking more and more as though Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen won’t have to worry about the Dolphins’ most consistent pass rusher.
We have the latest on Jaelan Phillips and the Dolphins’ offensive line in our Sept. 28 practice report and injury update.
Miami Dolphins Practice Report
Phillips seems likely to miss his second game in three weeks due to injury. He sat out the Dolphins’ nationally televised win over the Patriots with a back issue. Now it’s an oblique strain that puts his availability in jeopardy.
Phillips missed his second straight practice Thursday, according to reporters present.
Dolphins starting center Connor Williams and left tackle Terron Armstead returned to practice after missing Wednesday’s practice.
Didn’t see the following players:
Jaelan Phillips (oblique)
Erik Ezukanma (neck)
River Cracraft (shoulder)— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) September 28, 2023
Not having Phillips would be a blow for a Dolphins defense that has historically struggled against Allen. If he cannot go, expect to see a lot of Andrew Van Ginkel on the edge, as well as an increased role for Emmanuel Ogbah.
The news on the offensive line, meanwhile, was much more encouraging Thursday. Both Terron Armstead (back, ankle, knee) and Connor Williams (groin) returned to practice.
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At receiver, Jaylen Waddle not only practiced again, but he’s on track to start Sunday against Buffalo. He’s cleared concussion protocol after missing Miami’s Week 3 win over the Denver Broncos.
That’s a good thing because the Dolphins are banged up at receiver. Erik Ezukanma (neck) and River Cracraft (shoulder) both missed practice for the second straight day.
Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills Injury Report
Dolphins
Did Not Practice
- WR River Cracraft (shoulder)
- WR Erik Ezukanma (neck)
- LB Jaelan Phillips (oblique)
Limited
- RB Salvon Ahmed (groin)
- OT Terron Armstead (back/ankle/knee)
- S DeShon Elliott (ankle/groin)
- TE Tyler Kroft (back)
- C Connor Williams (groin)
Full
- CB Eli Apple (neck/gameday concussion protocol evaluation)
- TE Julian Hill (ankle)
- TE Durham Smythe (hamstring)
Bills
Did Not Practice
- LS Reid Ferguson (wrist)
- S Jordan Poyer (knee)
Limited
- OL Ryan Bates (ankle)
- DB Siran Neal (ankle)
Full
- DE Leonard Floyd (ankle)
- S Micah Hyde (hamstring)
- CB Taron Johnson (hip)
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