Dolphins, Ravens missing key contributors for AFC clash. Who’s active, who’s not
The Dolphins faced the Ravens in Baltimore for a pivotal AFC matchup that decided home-field advantage — but both teams did so a bit undermanned.
Running back Raheem Mostert, who was listed as questionable to play, was inactive because of injuries to his knee and ankle. He joined wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who was already ruled out because of a high ankle sprain, as offensive starters who will be sidelined. Right guard Robert Hunt, who was listed as doubtful because of a hamstring injury, was also inactive for the fourth straight game.
Mostert, who had been playing with a lower leg ailment, was injured again in the team’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel on Friday said Mostert, who only practiced on Friday as a limited participant, had a “good week” and was the player he was “least worried about.” Running backs coach Eric Studesville also said he anticipated Mostert would play.
However, Mostert, who entered Week 17 ranking fourth in the NFL in rushing yards (1,012) missed his first game of the season.
After the game, a 56-19 loss for the Dolphins, McDaniel said Mostert being inactive was a “little unanticipated ... but something that we had to do right by him and the Dolphins.” McDaniel added that Mostert didn’t progress as well as in recent weeks when he was limited in practice.
Miami got reinforcements on defense, though. Safety Jevon Holland, who missed the last four games with sprained MCLs in his knees, was active and played for the first time since Black Friday.
Cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who was a late addition to the injury report Friday and listed as questionable because of a knee injury, was also active. Offensive linemen Austin Jackson, Liam Eichenbeg and Lester Cotton, and cornerback Xavien Howard were also active, but Howard sustained a foot injury in the first quarter that required him to be carted to the locker room.
Jackson returned to the starting lineup after serving in a reserve role in Week 16.
The Dolphins also made the following players inactive: defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah, tight end Tyler Kroft and quarterback Skylar Thompson (emergency QB).
The Ravens were without standout safety Kyle Hamilton, the reigning AFC Defensive Player of the Week. Hamilton was inactive because of a knee injury.
Cornerback Brandon Stephens (ankle) and right guard Kevin Zeitler (knee/quad) were also inactive.
Wide receiver Zay Flowers, an NSU University alumnus and Broward County native, was active despite being listed as questionable because of a calf injury.
The Ravens also made the following players inactive: quarterbacks Josh Johnson (emergency QB) and Malik Cunningham, cornerback Damarion Williams and guard Sala Aumavae-Laulu.
This story was originally published December 31, 2023 at 11:36 AM.
