Dolphins’ Robert Hunt out vs. Chiefs, 2 starting OL questionable. And Ramsey on Kelce
The Dolphins are getting healthier along the offensive line. But they will be without right guard Robert Hunt, who has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Frankfurt, Germany.
Hunt did not practice this week because of a hamstring injury he sustained against the New England Patriots last Sunday. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said earlier in the week the team hoped to get him at practice at some point. But Hunt, who has been one of the offensive line’s best players, will miss his first game of the season and first of his career because of injury. He was seen walking around the practice field and then working on the side on Friday.
McDaniel said Robert Jones, who filled in at left guard after Hunt’s injury, will start at the position. Lester Cotton, who filled in at right guard last Sunday, would seemingly take Hunt’s spot.
“We’re going to miss big Bobby in there,” right tackle Austin Jackson said. “But, you know, we have confidence in our other guards Lester, Rob Jones as well. They both started in this league. Both very detail-oriented guys. And we’re confident to get them in there. And I’m confident to see them do their job and get the opportunity.”
Left tackle Terron Armstead, who was designated to return to practice this week, is one of eight Dolphins who are questionable to play on Sunday. McDaniel said “it’s been so far, so good” on the progress of Armstead, who was limited in practice throughout the week.
“[I] feel optimistic but have to just see how [Friday] plays out to make sure there’s no setbacks,” McDaniel.
Cornerbacks Xavien Howard (groin), Nik Needham (Achilles) and Justin Bethel (foot); wide receivers Braxton Berrios and River Cracraft (shoulder); center Connor Williams; and tight end Durham Smythe (ankle) are also questionable.
McDaniel said Williams, who has missed the last three games because of a groin injury, had an “outstanding week of practice” and hasn’t had any setbacks. Williams was active last Sunday but did not start as a “protective measure,” McDaniel said.
“I think at the end of the day, it’s gonna be up to them but it’s been a good week, and I feel healthy,” Williams said. “And so we’ll see how it rolls.”
He added: “I’ll always say I’m ready.”
Howard said on Wednesday he plans to play after missing the last two games because of a groin injury.
Berrios, who was added to the injury report on Thursday, felt a little something” but “it wasn’t a full injury,” McDaniel said. Defensive back Justin Bethel, who was also added to the injury report on Thursday because of a foot injury, was limited at practice on Friday, along with Berrios.
Running back Raheem Mostert, who did not practice on Wednesday and was limited on Thursday and Friday, was not given a game status and is set to play on Sunday.
Safety Brandon Jones was also ruled out because of concussion protocol. He did not join the team for the trip to Germany.
Ramsey talks Kelce matchup
One day after defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said it’s a possibility cornerback Jalen Ramsey could line up in different spots to cover Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, Ramsey didn’t give any indication the matchup was imminent.
“We’ll see,” Ramsey said when asked if he anticipates covering the All-Pro tight end. “I just play whatever Vic call[s]. It’s only my second week. I’m still getting adjusted to how Vic [does] things.”
Ramsey made his team debut last Sunday after missing the first eight games of the season because of meniscus surgery. He intercepted a pass and allowed one catch on three targets against the Patriots. While he played in the slot at times with the Los Angeles Rams, he lined up exclusively as an outside corner in Week 8. With Howard expected to return to the lineup, Sunday will mark the first time the All-Pro corners will be on the field together.
“It’d be nice. It’d be real nice,” Ramsey said. “And I think it’d give the defense a lot of confidence and a little bit of a new dynamic. But we’ve got to put it together, though, you know what I’m saying. So, we’ll see.”
This story will be updated.
This story was originally published November 3, 2023 at 8:04 AM.
