Dolphins’ McDaniel explains Beckham decision, addresses status of Chubb, Armstead, others
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel implied that it’s unlikely left tackle Terron Armstead would play on Sunday at Houston and suggested that outside linebacker Bradley Chubb’s return from the physically unable to perform list is more likely to come next week than this week.
Armstead, who left the Jets game after five snaps with a knee injury, has not practiced this week and McDaniel said he is “pessimistic” he will play at the Texans (1 p.m., CBS). Rookie Patrick Paul is in line to replace Armstead against Houston.
McDaniel said he’s optimistic right tackle Kendall Lamm will play Sunday if he gets through Friday’s practice without issues. He has been dealing with a back injury.
As for Chubb, Friday marked the 10th day of Chubb’s 21-day practice window as he works his way back from several serious knee injuries sustained Dec. 31 against Baltimore.
“I’m more ready for the next week (as far as his return) but we will see how” it plays out,” McDaniel said.
McDaniel was measured in addressing Friday’s release of receiver Odell Beckham Jr. but did not dispute that it was a mutual decision.
“Conversations led us to determining it was best for both parties,” McDaniel said. “We thought it was a good time to go that direction. He’s a professional that has dilgently cropped wood. I know his expectations. When you communicate transparently, I know where he’s at... This is best for both parties.”
Did Beckham come to the Dolphins asking for his release? “It was just our professional communication,” he said.
Were Beckham’s practice absences excused on Wednesday and Thursday? McDaniel replied that he didn’t want to address the timeline.
Beckham caught nine passes for 55 yards in just 119 offensive snaps. He played between 11 and 17 snaps in all nine of his appearances for the Dolphins.
McDaniel said he had not regrets about signing him.
With Beckham gone and Dee Eskridge out this week with a knee injury, the Dolphins have four healthy receivers on the 53-man roster: Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Malik Washington and River Cracraft.
Receiver Grant DuBose is eligible to come off injured reserve; he began practicing this week after an early season shoulder injury.
McDaniel said DuBose is ready to play but there are “other things in play” regarding whether he will be activated Friday or Saturday. He has been out since a September shoulder injury.
McDaniel addressed other issues Friday:
▪ He said he’s optimistic Raheem Mostert will play Sunday after missing the Jets game with a hip injury.
Also, linebacker Jordyn Brooks popped up on the injury report with an issue with his ribs, but McDaniel said that’s not a concern with regard to his availability on Sunday.
▪ McDaniel’s favorite movie growing up was “Ace Ventura Pet Detective” -- which featured Dolphins legend Dan Marino -- and he revealed Friday he uses some in vernacular from the film on play calls.
From the movie, “Flipper” and “Einhorn” (named after character Lois Einhorn) are among the words used by the Dolphins in their offensive play-calls.
This story was originally published December 13, 2024 at 11:48 AM.
