Mike McDaniel bragged that the Miami Dolphins defense features one of the best safeties in the NFL in Jevon Holland, and he seemingly intends to keep it that way by resting the three year starter.
Holland, who injured both his knees in Miami’s 34-13 win over the New York Jets on Nov. 24, sat out Thursday’s practice, which was the Dolphins first day of on-field preparation for Monday night’s game against the Tennessee Titans.
In an effort to keep Holland healthy for the stretch of games in late December that will most likely determine Miami’s playoff seeding, as well as for the postseason, McDaniel acknowledged that he is holding Holland out of the lineup. Holland did participate in one practice last week.
“He is a vital member of our team. Thankfully, we have a wide range of excellent players. Your depth is tested during the NFL season, McDaniel said. “He’s one of the smartest [players], but he’s also eager.He appreciates our perspective and is eager to return to the field, but we won’t jeopardize the remainder of the season by taking a chance on an injury.”
Brandon Jones might come into the game first.
Brandon Jones is expected to start his fourth game of the season if Holland is not active against the Titans. Holland, who leads the team in tackles with 69, may, however, be cleared to play in Monday night’s game after limited practice on Friday and Saturday.
Tyreek Hill, the wide receiver, was also absent from Wednesday’s practice. The reason for his absence will be revealed when the injury report is released later today. This was Hill’s third practice of the 2023 season.
Additionally missing Thursday’s practice were tight end Durham Smythe, who has been playing with an injured ankle for the past month, and Raheem Mostert, who has been treating knee and ankle soreness for the past month. But both of the starters usually return to practice later in the week, so that’s the norm.
Three O-linemen were left out.
Furthermore, Terron Armstead, the starting left tackle, Robert Hunt, the starting right guard, and Kendall Lamm, the swingman tackle, were absent from the Dolphins’ practice.
Armstead sprained his right ankle against the Commanders on Sunday after weeks of nursing injuries to his knee and quadriceps.
Due to the intricacy of the soft tissue injury, Hunt, who missed a month’s worth of practices and games due to a left hamstring injury, aggravated the strain against the Commanders. As a result, he may be sidelined for a few days.
“We’re overcoming obstacles. In reference to Hunt, McDaniel stated, “We were attempting to avert what ultimately transpired. “We’re just going to progress and take that [rehab] day by day.”
Lamm’s back problems have prevented him from participating fully in practice and games. Kion Smith replaced Armstead in the second half despite Armstead’s Commanders game attire, and Smith may have to start if Armstead and Lamm aren’t cleared to play.
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