Dolphins’ McDaniel updates status of Jackson and Waller and injuries
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said he’s optimistic that right tackle Austin Jackson and tight end Darren Waller will be available Sunday against visiting New Orleans (1 p.m., Fox 7).
But McDaniel said he will not know for sure until the conclusion of Friday’s midday practice.
Both players remain on injured reserve, so the Dolphins would need to create roster spots for both, before 4 p.m. Saturday, in order for them to play against the Saints.
Jackson has been sidelined since sustaining a toe injury in Week 1.
“If he’s able to go, he will; he’s one of the toughest players I’ve ever been around,” McDaniel said. “He has a mind testing the limits of his body. It wasn’t a failure he got hurt again” because the team admired Jackson trying to play through the toe issue that initially surfaced during training camp.
Meanwhile, McDaniel said Waller -- who was missed the past four games with a pectoral injury -- is positioned to return Sunday barring a setback.
“We’ll see how he feels today,” McDaniel said Friday morning.
The Dolphins have three players on the 53-man roster who were limited in Thursday’s practice: center Aaron Brewer (foot/ankle), cornerback Rasul Douglas (foot/ankle) and defensive tackle Benito Jones (ankle).
Douglas said he’s good to go for Sunday; McDaniel said he’s “very optimistic” that he will play against the Saints.
Brewer and Jones will be available to play on Sunday, McDaniel said.
Receiver Jaylen Waddle and linebacker Bradley Chubb were limited in Wednesday’s practice with foot injuries, but both practiced fully on Thursday and should be fine for Sunday.
