The extra time that passes, the extra Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Jones is giving everybody Will Fuller vibes from a yr in the past.
Fuller, final season, infamously had a week-to-week finger damage sustained in Week 4 sideline him for the entire yr — together with his standing nonetheless up within the air throughout the latter weeks of the season each time former coach Brian Flores was requested.
Jones had decrease left leg surgical procedure in March. The Dolphins appeared hopeful he might return in some unspecified time in the future in coaching camp after beginning camp on the physically-unable-to-perform listing in late July. By the top of the preseason, he was nonetheless on PUP listing to begin the yr, sidelining him for no less than the primary 4 weeks.
Now, heading into Week 10 this Sunday towards the Cleveland Browns, he's nonetheless not able to return to play, not to mention apply, coach Mike McDaniel stated.
“If you happen to’re sick of asking it, what do you assume the microphone man (McDaniel on the podium) is?” McDaniel stated Wednesday when his press convention started with one other query about Jones.
“There’s a variety of variables at work, and also you simply attempt to give everybody the most effective alternative to contribute to the group, like I do know he needs to,” McDaniel continued. “That’s nonetheless open. … I react. I don’t attempt to dictate the longer term. My crystal ball is broke.”
Browns ‘no joke’
The Dolphins (6-3) are getting their share of apply at not taking opponents evenly. They’re within the midst of a five-game stretch towards sub-.500 groups that was preceded by a tough opening swing on the schedule and one other gauntlet within the last month-plus.
Miami isn’t going to begin doing it with the 3-5 Cleveland Browns coming to Miami Gardens. McDaniel feels the group is best than its report signifies.
“This Cleveland Browns group is not any joke. They're soccer group,” McDaniel stated. “Each week’s a problem. This one, particularly, is quite a bit larger than individuals understand.
“Their report is their report. No matter this implies is that I feel they'll beat any soccer group within the Nationwide Soccer League, and you'll’t say that about each group.”
Struggling at stopping the run towards the Chicago Bears — granted, as a result of they'd dual-threat quarterback Justin Fields set a regular-season dashing report at his place with 178 yards — Cleveland has star tailback Nick Chubb main its backfield. The Browns may also play stout defensively, the place they're led by defensive finish Myles Garrett.
“It begins with their edges,” McDaniel stated. “They pressure. They go after it. … We comb tape week in, week out, and we're positively not sleeping on this group. This can be a good soccer group that, in case you are not detailed and technically sound, they may expose you in a dangerous manner.”
Chubb (841) is second to the Tennessee Titans’ Derrick Henry (870) amongst NFL dashing leaders, however he’s accomplished it with 34 fewer carries.
“They’ve received two nice working backs,” stated new Dolphins outdoors linebacker Bradley Chubb, noting Kareem Hunt, as properly. “I really feel like Nick is in a league of his personal, does a variety of nice issues. He’s a type of those who he will get stronger as the sport goes on.
“I see a bodily group. The offensive line is bodily with the fellows up entrance.”
Wednesday damage report
4 Dolphins missed Wednesday’s apply to kick off the week forward of dealing with Cleveland.
Tackles Terron Armstead and Austin Jackson weren't current. Armstead now solely has his lingering toe damage listed on the group’s damage report. Jackson has ankle and calf illnesses holding him off the apply discipline after he was activated off injured reserve final week.
Tight finish Hunter Lengthy is in concussion protocol, as McDaniel talked about on Monday. Cornerback Xavien Howard received a veteran relaxation day after he has needed to overcome groin accidents for a lot of the primary half of the season.
Exterior linebacker Melvin Ingram had a uncommon Wednesday of apply. He often will get veteran relaxation on Wednesday, however he was utterly off the damage report.
Dolphins that had been restricted Wednesday: Defensive sort out Raekwon Davis (knee), tight ends Durham Smythe (hamstring) and Tanner Conner (knee) and large receiver River Cracraft (sickness). Davis was seen figuring out on the aspect throughout the media viewing portion of apply.
New Dolphins working again Jeff Wilson Jr. was seen sporting a compression sleeve on his decrease proper leg, however he was not listed on the group’s damage report as nursing any ailment.
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