The Miami Dolphins are the youngest team in the league and they are relying on rookies and second-year players all across the roster. They could see the benefit of the experience gained this year in the future, but they could also be establishing bad habits and failing to learn lessons without veterans in key positions on the field. Miami might see some reinforcements returning to the field soon as injured players begin practicing.
Last week, the team opened the practice window for cornerback Storm
Duck, giving him 21 days to be activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list. Duck sustained a knee injury last year and has had nearly a full year of recovery and rehabilitation to make it to this point. He ended last week as a full participant in practice.
Miami also opened the practice window for defensive tackle Kenneth Grant this week. Grant was placed on Injured Reserve as part of the Dolphins’ final roster cuts at the end of the preseason, with the designated to return label applied. Now he begins to work himself into game shape from a toe injury, with the potential that he could return to the roster as early as this weekend.
Duck was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice while Grant was limited.
Head coach Jeff Hafley was asked on Wednesday about the possibility of Grant playing on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. While he did not confirm the defensive tackle would be on the field in Week 5, he also left open the possibility. “I’m excited to see him go through individual, watch him practice. Again, I just think let’s just watch today and see how he does and we’ll progress from there,” Hafley stated. “But he’s attacked his rehab. He’s been such a positive guy and I’m excited that he’s able to come back out for him.”
Hafley was also asked about the flexibility a return of Grant could mean for the defensive line. He explained, “Without getting too specific for obvious reasons, it allows us to move some pieces around to help us in some certain situations, whether it’s move other people to other positions on certain downs based on personnel. It just gives us more flexibility, more versatility, and it gives us another good player.”
If both players were to return for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Dolphins would have to make additional roster moves to create space under the league’s 53-man in-season roster limit. Miami currently has only 52 players on the roster, giving them space for one activation.
The presence of one or both of the veteran players could solidify a defense that has been improving over the first four weeks of the season, but could still use some stabilization. The younger players are correcting their mistakes, but if Miami wants to pull off an upset in over the Bengals, adding some experience to the group could go a long way.
The Dolphins could also choose to slow their returns, opting to have them sit out this weekend’s schedule, then use Week 6’s bye to further focus on their preparation for a return. Miami visits the New York Jets in Week 7.
