The worst-case state of affairs for Miami Dolphins security Brandon Jones and his knee damage has develop into actuality.
Coach Mike McDaniel stated Wednesday it was an anterior cruciate ligament tear that Jones suffered in final Sunday’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, and it’ll finish the season for the Dolphins’ main tackler via seven video games.
“I feel terrible, absolutely terrible for a guy that was playing at a very, very high level,” McDaniel stated.
The group felt his loss in a Wednesday morning movie session.
“You could hear the hurt with the team when his highlights would come on, because there was a ton of them,” the Dolphins coach added.
“Brandon has a pretty big impact on that defense,” quarterback Tua Tagovailoa stated. “Dudes love being around this guy. … He’ll definitely be missed, but for me, that’s my boy.”
Added outdoors linebacker Jaelan Phillips: “It’s horrible. … His routine, his work ethic is unmatched on this team and, probably, this league. It’s heartbreaking, definitely, but we’re here for him.”
McDaniel’s newest replace earlier than Wednesday was that there have been nonetheless issues the Dolphins’ medical workers was taking a look at to verify the severity of the knee ailment, however he sounded discouraged about information that was forthcoming.
McDaniel didn’t reveal what the defensive plan Miami will go along with to switch Jones, who formally was positioned on injured reserve Tuesday, in his sturdy security position.
Veteran Eric Rowe appears a possible candidate, however in opposition to the Steelers, McDaniel used a mix of special-teamer Clayton Fejedelem and undrafted rookie Verone McKinley, a practice-squad elevation for the sport.
“Those packages are ever-changing week by week,” stated McDaniel, noting it has to do with using participant strengths given recreation circumstances. “From an offensive perspective, it makes it very difficult because you’ll see people move around.”
He provided that Rowe, who on Wednesday within the locker room backed up McDaniel’s rationalization over defensive packages in opposition to Pittsburgh, had proven encouraging indicators, although.
“Eric had two of his best days of practice, specifically within the last week and he’s doing some real good stuff,” McDaniel stated.
As Fejedelem was one in all 5 Dolphins who didn’t take part in Wednesday’s follow as a consequence of a groin damage, Rowe was requested if he’s making ready for eventualities involving him both enjoying starter snaps alongside free security Jevon Holland or work right into a bundle rotation.
“I’m preparing for it. We’ll see how this week goes with the game plan the coaches come up with,” Rowe stated.
“Taking something from his game, I want to fly around like he does,” stated Rowe of Jones, whose season ends with 49 tackles, two sacks and a compelled fumble. “It’s not easy, but I’m going to try to replicate it.”
The Dolphins’ ailing secondary, with Nik Needham additionally out for the season with an Achilles tear and no imminent return for fellow cornerback Byron Jones (leg) from the physically-unable-to-perform record, is making an attempt to return cornerbacks Kader Kohou (indirect) and Keion Crossen (knee) to the lineup. Both have been restricted members at Wednesday’s follow.
“I’m optimistic with those human beings, just knowing that we have a good collection of players on this team that I can trust how bad they want to play,” McDaniel stated. “It killed them not to play in this last one, so I feel good about it in that, if it’s feasible, they’ll make the outing.”
Without Kohou and Crossen, Noah Igbinoghene and Justin Bethel stepped up because the second and third corners enjoying with All-Pro Xavien Howard. Each had an interception within the win over the Steelers with Igbinoghene’s sealing the victory within the closing seconds.
Howard (groin), whereas seen at Wednesday drills, was listed as a non-participant, as was tight finish Durham Smythe (hamstring).
Miami can also be hoping to return defensive finish Emmanuel Ogbah, the group’s sack chief in 2021, after he missed the Steelers recreation with a again damage.
“He’s doing better,” stated McDaniel of Ogbah, who was restricted Wednesday.
“We knew the game before [against the Vikings] that he was going to have, to have a big game from how we’re going to operate as a defense. He rose to the challenge got nicked in the process. But hoping that we’re going to get him back on the field here soon, optimistic about [this Sunday against the Detroit Lions], but just because I know where his game was at, he was in a really good place. And he wants to get back there as soon as possible. I know he’ll do whatever it takes.”
Left deal with Terron Armstead (toe) and out of doors linebacker Melvin Ingram (veteran relaxation) didn’t take part in Wednesday’s follow.
Others restricted apart from Ogbah, Kohou and Crossen have been linebacker Jerome Baker (hip), tight finish Tanner Conner (knee), deal with Greg Little (Achilles), defensive deal with Zach Sieler (hand/ankle), quarterback Skylar Thompson (proper thumb), broad receiver Jaylen Waddle (shoulder) and defensive deal with Christian Wilkins (hand).
For the Lions (1-5), working again D’Andre Swift, who has been out the previous month, had full follow participation Wednesday as he seeks to return. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (concussion protocol) was restricted and is anticipated to be cleared in time for the sport. Tight finish T.J. Hockenson and defensive finish Charles Harris have been amongst 9 who missed Wednesday drills. …
The Dolphins signed offensive lineman Grant Hermanns to the follow squad on Wednesday. The undrafted second-year participant out of Purdue was on the New York Jets’ follow squad final season and earlier this yr, elevated to their lively roster for 3 video games, enjoying in two of them.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com