Dolphins’ McDaniel updates Hill, Holland and addresses Cowboys and other issues
After not practicing last week and missing the Jets game because of an ankle injury, Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill remained sidelined on Wednesday.
But coach Mike McDaniel has said he’s close to returning; CBS said during the Jets broadcast that Hill and the Dolphins are hopeful he will be able to play Sunday against visiting Dallas (4:25 p.m., Fox).
McDaniel suggested nothing should be read into Hill missing Wednesday’s practice, calling it a matter of “us trying to make sure we have all cylinders go.”
Meanwhile, safety Jevon Holland, who has missed three games with a sprained MCL in both knees, isn’t yet ready to participate in a full practice. He has practiced on a limited basis for two weeks but hasn’t participated in all parts of practice or played in a game since sustaining the injuries against the Jets on the day after Thanksgiving.
Holland is “doing well,” McDaniel said. “He’s so motivated and aggressive to attack things, we have to [make sure] he has no lingering effect... He’s getting closer.”
Brandon Jones, who is filling in for Holland, had two interceptions on Sunday against the Jets.
Starting safety DeShon Elliott isn’t out of concussion protocol yet but “is participating in the process of getting cleared,” per McDaniel.
Asked about offensive line injuries, McDaniel didn’t give a specific update.
Right guard Robert Hunt’s status remains in question because of a hamstring injury; he has missed four games this season, including the past two.
Right tackle Austin Jackson is dealing with an oblique injury that sidelined him for much of the second half against the Jets, but McDaniel has said he won’t miss as much time as the three games that Jaelan Phillips missed earlier this season with an oblique injury.
Fill-in center Liam Eichenberg continues to play through a calf injury.
McDaniel addressed other issues during his Wednesday press briefing:
▪ On Dallas allowing 266 rushing yards to Buffalo: “Anyone knows... what type of coach Dan Quinn is as defensive coordinator. He inspires guys to be their best selves; I’ve witnessed it first hand...
“It wasn’t like they were giving up big open spaces. It was more Buffalo executing than I saw ‘this, that or the other’ with Dallas. I’m well aware that team is very prideful. They are hearing about it to the nth degree.”
▪ On running back Raheem Mostert, who has 20 touchdowns this season: “The chip he uses for a competitive advantage never goes away. No one thinks he’s good enough ever; that’s the way he looks at it. The stuff he has gone through in his career is real, [and] that would break most people. Every single one of his teammates knows that guy is a hard tackle.”
▪ On Dallas Pro Bowl linebacker Micah Parsons, who has 12.5 sacks: “He’s one of the best players in the National Football League at any position. I don’t think it’s really debatable.”
This story was originally published December 20, 2023 at 1:31 PM.
