Thursday’s Miami Dolphins Notebook provides information on injuries, kickoff time, and additional updates.
For the second consecutive day, three players were absent from Miami Dolphins practice, with varying degrees of concern for their availability in the upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys. Robert Hunt (hamstring) and Austin Jackson (oblique) raise legitimate worries, while running back Raheem Mostert, the new Dolphins single-season record-holder for touchdowns, has missed practice due to knee/ankle/vet rest. Mostert’s interaction with reporters suggests his absence may be more related to veteran rest than injury concerns.
Three other players, Tyreek Hill (ankle), De’Von Achane (toe), and Xavien Howard (thigh), who didn’t practice on Wednesday, participated on a limited basis on Thursday. Safety DeShon Elliott is now a full participant after clearing the concussion protocol.
Seven players remained limited for the second straight day, including Terron Armstead, Jevon Holland, Kader Kohou, Emmanuel Ogbah, Cam Smith, Durham Smythe, and Andrew Van Ginkel. Guard Lester Cotton, with a hip issue, was a full participant.
In terms of Dallas injuries, two starting offensive linemen, Zack Martin (thigh) and Tyron Smith (back), didn’t practice for a second consecutive day. Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins missed practice last Sunday and is listed with knee/ankle injuries. Safety Malik Hooker (ankle) and RB Rico Dowds (ankle) were limited participants.
The Dolphins’ New Year’s Eve game against the Baltimore Ravens will not be flexed, remaining in its original time slot. Pro Bowl voting continues, with the Dolphins having a strong representation in fan votes, led by Tua Tagovailoa and other key players across different positions.
Facing the Dallas Cowboys, the Dolphins will encounter a secondary featuring DaRon Bland, the new record-holder for most pick-sixes in a season, and cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Gilmore, with extensive experience against the Dolphins, shared the game plan to stop Miami’s passing game—playing with great technique, trusting teammates, and being physical.
In other news, Eli Apple, after a period of inactivity, stepped up as the boundary cornerback in nickel situations against the Jets, receiving praise for his performance despite a minor exception. Former Dolphins DT Jordan Phillips was placed on IR by the Buffalo Bills, and LB Malik Reed, who was with the Dolphins in training camp, was waived by the Las Vegas Raiders.
