Dolphins’ Jerome Baker placed on IR. And 2 starters questionable for Titans game
The Dolphins placed inside linebacker Jerome Baker on injured reserve, the team announced Saturday, sidelining him for Monday night’s home game against the Tennessee Titans. Baker cannot return until the team’s regular-season finale at the earliest.
Baker, who will miss the second game of his NFL career, sustained an MCL injury against the Washington Commanders in Week 13. Coach Mike McDaniel previously said that Baker was “week to week” and would not go on IR, but on Saturday said “multiple things [are] at play,” including the timeline for Baker’s return and the team’s need for a roster spot.
Miami also signed linebacker Calvin Munson, who left the New England Patriots’ practice squad for his fourth stint with the team, and placed linebacker Alexander Johnson on the practice squad/injured list. Alexander was a candidate to be elevated and provide depth amid Baker’s injury.
Miami has one spot left to designate a player to return from IR this season, but McDaniel did not commit to the team holding it for Baker. Left guard Isaiah Wynn is also on IR because of a quad injury; McDaniel has not ruled him out for the season but said he has a “long journey” to return.
With Baker sidelined, Duke Riley is expected to start alongside David Long Jr. Riley will also take on the communication duties that Baker has held.
Munson, 28, appeared in 22 games (two starts) for the Dolphins between the 2019 and 2021 seasons. He appeared in three games for the Patriots this season, primarily on special teams, and has recorded one tackle. Munson was at practice on Saturday.
Two starters questionable to play vs. Titans
The Dolphins ruled out right guard Robert Hunt for the Titans game. Hunt, who aggravated a hamstring injury against the Commanders, will miss his fourth start of the season.
Miami also listed left tackle Terron Armstead (knee/ankle), safety Jevon Holland (knees) and rookie running back Chris Brooks (knee) as questionable to play. Both Armstead and Holland were limited in the last two practices after sitting out the first session of the week.
Armstead, who injured his ankle against the Commanders, was noncommittal after Saturday’s practice on his status but said he is preparing to be available.
McDaniel said the team is in a “wait-and-see” approach regarding Holland, who did not play in Week 13. McDaniel said he wants to see how Holland feels after practice and the following day before deciding on his availability.
Holland said after practice that he is aiming to play on Monday night. He said he felt pain in his knees after making a tackle against the Jets and that it’s been a “slow grind” to regain flexibility and comfort.
Defensive lineman Christian Wilkins, who appeared on Friday’s injury report with a groin injury, was not given a game status and will play on Monday night. McDaniel said he is “not worried” about Wilkins’ availability.
This story was originally published December 9, 2023 at 12:31 PM.
