The Miami Dolphins are monitoring the right hand injury that caused outside linebacker Bradley Chubb to exit and then return to last Sunday’s loss to the Green Bay Packers before they face the Patriots in New England this Sunday.
Chubb was one of eight Dolphins who didn’t participate in Miami’s Wednesday practice ahead of the team’s pivotal AFC East showdown in Foxborough — six due to injury. The others: quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion), left tackle Terron Armstead (toe/pectoral/knee/hip), Alec Ingold (thumb), tackle Eric Fisher (calf) and wide receiver River Cracraft (calf). Outside linebacker Melvin Ingram and running back Raheem Mostert received a veteran rest day on Wednesday.
Armstead, with the hip, has a fourth body part added to the injury report while already dealing with the three previous ailments.
“There’s some question marks as big as there’s been all season, because some guys had some legitimate dings,” McDaniel said. “They all know how important it is. All the people really involved are some of the guys that we count on the most, and they feel that responsibility.
“They will do everything they can, but at the same time, there’s only so much you can control. I do know for a fact that the people in question, I won’t have to question anything about the process to get to game day.”
McDaniel finds solace in knowing his team has gone through injury concerns all season.
“We’ve been down this road and have had these reps,” he said. “If any one of those individuals can’t go, we’re fortunate to have some professionals that our team believes in that can go attack the mission at hand and see if we can leave the month of December in December.”
The Dolphins (8-7) are trying to snap a four-game losing streak and winless December with the game at the Patriots (7-8) on New Year’s Day.
Miami also had safeties Eric Rowe (quadriceps/knee) and Clayton Fejedelem (knee) and outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips (toe) limited at Wednesday drills.
Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who is in line to start for Tagovailoa, is still listed on the injury report as receiving treatment for the knee ailment that caused him to be inactive for five games, but he went through full participation on Wednesday.
The Patriots had wide receiver and longtime Dolphin DeVante Parker miss their Wednesday practice due to concussion. Along with him, cornerbacks Jalen Mills (groin), Marcus Jones (concussion), Jack Jones (knee) and tackle Yodny Cajuste (illness) missed practice, as did special teamer Matthew Slater for veteran rest.
Eichenberg-Jones decision
With offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg activated from injured reserve Tuesday, the Dolphins have a decision to make this week on whether to reinsert him into his original starting spot at left guard or keep Robert Jones there as he has filled in serviceably.
“I’m excited,” Eichenberg said of being back on the active roster after three weeks of practice since being designated to return from the knee injury suffered Oct. 30 against the Detroit Lions. “I think we have a special team with a special opportunity. It’s on us to control what we do. I think guys are very optimistic, and we’re looking forward to this week.”
Neither Eichenberg nor Jones is certain of how the week will go in determining a starter. McDaniel has repeatedly said Eichenberg was playing his best football before the injury occurred.
“It kind of just depends on what the coaches want to do,” Eichenberg said. “I feel good. There’s a reason they activated me. My knee feels good, just like it did before. But I’m looking forward to this week, going out there and just focusing on what I need to improve on and get back in the swing of things.”
Jones is maintaining his same approach that has had him prepared to either step up and play when needed or stay ready as a reserve, regardless of what transpires.
“Go out there in practice, see what happens,” Jones said. “Just keep taking advantage of my opportunities no matter what happens. Just keep getting ready for my next opportunity.”
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