Rush defense to get boost from Woodard’s return
The Miami Dolphins’ injury-depleted defensive line will get some muchneeded relief for Thursday night’s game against the Houston Texans.
Jonathan Woodard, the former practice-squad player who was called up to the active roster earlier this season, has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol, which should allow the first-year defensive end to play Thursday.
Woodard, who has eight tackles and one sack in three games this season, is viewed as an edge-setting specialist because of his 6-foot-6, 271-pound frame, which could come in handy for the Dolphins based on how the Detroit Lions dominated Miami at the line of scrimmage in Sunday’s 32-21 loss.
The Lions rushed for a season-high 248 yards, and Dolphins players acknowledged that the defense had issues setting the edge and protecting the linebackers.
Cameron Wake, a fivetime Pro Bowl pass rusher, was playing his first game back from a knee injury — which reportedly required a surgical procedure — and Andre Branch was playing in his second game since returning from his left knee injury.
Woodard’s return from the concussion he suffered in a 31-28 overtime win over the Chicago Bears two weeks ago, gives Miami a rotation of five defensive ends when Robert Quinn, the starting right end, and Cameron Malveaux are factored in.
The Dolphins are allowing 136.7 rushing yards per game and 4.5 rushing yards per attempt this season, which ranks Miami 29th in the NFL when it comes to defending the run.
The only teams worse than the Dolphins at stopping the run are Detroit, Denver and Arizona.
The Texans, whose rushing attack is led by former Dolphins tailback Lamar Miller — who has gained 371 rushing yards and scored one touchdown on 95 carries this season — are averaging 113.7 rushing yards per game and 3.9 yards per attempt.