Dolphins’ McDaniel updates Armstead, Lamm, Waddle, Chubb, and other issues
The Dolphins might get their two starting offensive tackles back on Sunday but they’ll likely be without a starting receiver.
Jaylen Waddle (knee) did not practice all week, and Mike McDaniel said he’s doubtful for Sunday’s game against visiting San Francisco (4:25 p.m., CBS). Backup receiver Dee Eskridge (knee) also is doubtful.
But left tackle Terron Armstead (knee) and right tackle Kendall Lamm (back) practiced, at least to an extent, on Friday and will be listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. Both missed the Texans game. [Update: Armstead said he’s optimistic he will play Sunday.]
“It was positive experience on the field [for both Friday]; now you’re taking it up to game time and make sure ducks are in a row for both, feeling what it takes to play,” McDaniel said.
If Armstead and Lamm cannot play, Patrick Paul and Jackson Carman would be in line to start. But there appears to be optimism on Armstead and Lamm.
At guard, the Dolphins figure to start two among Liam Eichenberg (who said he’s unsure if he will be keeping his starting job), Rob Jones and backup Isaiah Wynn, with Andrew Meyer also available.
Though Tua Tagovailoa was limited with a hip injury this week, the Dolphins say it’s not a worrisome issue and he’s set to play Sunday.
With Waddle and Eskridge unlikely to play, that means the Dolphins have just three available receivers on their 53-man roster: Tyreek Hill, Malik Washington and River Cracraft.
The Dolphins are expected to elevate at least one, and potentially two, receivers from the practice squad on Saturday. The options are former Bills veteran Isaiah McKenzie (who was added this week), former Dolphins fourth-round pick Erik Ezukanma and former Jets receiver Tarik Black, who has one NFL reception (for 10 yards).
“The good news is we’ve felt pretty fortunate between Erik and Tarik that we had the support of NFL receiver play on the practice squad should the injury bug hit us and they need to play,” McDaniel said. “Those two offer experience with the playbook specifically. With Isaiah, having been here just a minute, that’s a challenge, but he does offer a supreme level of experience at the position in the league. And those are usually quicker studies.
“There’s overlap with how some of his previous offenses have been taught. We felt he could contribute in a short amount of time if necessary.”
McDaniel addressed other issues on Friday:
▪ McDaniel will meet with general manager Chris Grier and outside linebackers Bradley Chubb and Cam Goode regarding their status. McDaniel said he’s not ready to rule out either this week. Neither has played since sustaining serious knee injuries late last season.
The Dolphins have until Christmas to activate both players in order for them to be eligible to play this season. Goode was a full participant in practice this week. Chubb was limited.
“During the process, we felt Cam was a little ahead,” McDaniel said Friday. “Optimistic we will see one or both when they’re ready.”
▪ McDaniel said he doesn’t expect receiver Grant DuBose to play this season after being hospitalized with a head injury during the Texans game. He’s on injured reserve.
“He’s in good spirits,” McDaniel said. “I’m totally focused on him being able to attack the day to day process and be healthy for himself and his family.
This story was originally published December 20, 2024 at 1:02 PM.
