Key absences for Dolphins’ road game vs. Eagles. Who’s active, who’s not
The Dolphins were without a pair of starters for their prime-time road game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night.
Cornerback Xavien Howard and center Connor Williams, who were listed as questionable to play because of groin injuries, were inactive.
It’s the first missed game of the season for Howard, who sustained the injury against the Carolina Panthers in Week 6. Howard had told reporters that he would play but was ruled out after going through a pregame workout with a trainer.
“Sometimes competitors can be short-sighted in their scope,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said after the game, a 31-17 Dolphins loss. “Whether or not, with that position, with that injury, it didn’t seem prudent to kind of press the envelope at this stage, knowing how important he is for the entirety of the season. He had a good week and he’ll be chomping in my ear next week, probably every day, because he definitely didn’t like watching the game in his street clothes for sure.”
Eli Apple and Kader Kohou started at cornerback in Miami’s base packages, and Parry Nickerson was the slot corner in nickel packages.
With Williams sidelined, Liam Eichenberg made his second consecutive start at center and third this season. The Dolphins had issues with their pre-snap operation in a raucous environment and the offensive line struggled to block against the Eagles’ pass rush. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was sacked three times.
Fullback Alec Ingold, who was listed as questionable because of a foot injury, was also active.
Wide receiver Chase Claypool, whom the Dolphins traded for on Oct. 6, was active and made his team debut, playing on offense and special teams.
Miami also made the following players inactive: wide receiver Robbie Chosen, quarterback Skylar Thompson (emergency QB), cornerback Kelvin Joseph and tight end Tyler Kroft.
This story was originally published October 22, 2023 at 7:02 PM.
