MIAMI GARDENS ― Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis was treated for an injured thumb on his right, throwing hand, but fully practiced four days before a Week 7 game at the New York Jets.
Willis did not throw at a bye week Monday practice that was open to reporters.
Willis did not mention the thumb injury when he met with reporters a short time before the first Jets injury report of the week was released.
"(Coach Jeff Hafley) just wanted to get us a little rest, and he wanted to get some young guys in there and see how they were progressing through this season," Willis said when asked what he was dealing with. But, pretty good."
Hafley said at the start of the week that Willis would be fine.
"He should be good," Hafley said. "I mean, was he dealing
with something? Yeah, I mean, we had a bunch of guys after the game that were and having a Tuesday practice, usually we don't go until Wednesday. So just rested him on that, but I foresee him being good to go."
Miami Dolphins injury report includes Malik Willis thumb
Willis has said he hasn't been good enough in his first five Dolphins starts.
WIllis is 29th in the NFL with a passer rating of 68.4.
He's got 2 passing touchdowns, 2 rushing touchdowns, 4 interceptions and 5 fumbles.
"Sometimes it's nine out of 11, 10 out of 11 doing the right thing and one person is not, and it'll mess up the whole play," Willis said. "It's not always that evident watching from the outside, but when we get into the film room, 'Okay, that's what we mean when we're like, it's that close.' You know what I mean? It's easy to say. But you guys go by the results and we haven't been proven those."
Willis said he balanced football review and rest and recovery during the bye week. What does Willis think about outside of football?
"I mean, the Lord, bro," Willis said. "I keep waking up every day. I got an opportunity to come in here and do my job. I have a family that loves me. I have more than enough. I make it to work safe every day, bro. It's a dangerous world. And we just overlook all these things that are blessings. I try not to do that. And at the same time, I hold myself to the highest of standards. And I just try to focus on the process. Am I doing anything in my power? If I make sure the process is right, the results will come."
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Threads and Instagram and X at @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins QB Malik Willis practices fully despite thumb injury
