CB Jones could return against 49ers after a 2-game absence
The Miami Dolphins could have their highestpaid defender return for Sunday’s road game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Cornerback Byron Jones, who signed a five-year, $82.5 million deal with Miami in the offseason, was able to practice Thursday without limitations as he continues to work his way back froma groin injury sustained inWeek 2.
Jones was limited in practice the last two weeks before Thursday’s full participation, which indicates he could return for Sunday’s game (4:05, Fox).
Jones, who missed just one of 50 games when he played for the Dallas Cowboys, has missed the last two games because of the injury.
Jones’ potential return could help Miami’s defense, which has seen rookie cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, one of three first-round picks in April’s NFL draft, struggle as he acclimates himself to the NFL.
Igbinoghene gave up two touchdowns in last week’s 31-23 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but could still play a significant role against the 49ers — depending on Jones’ progress with his groin injury.
Lawson questionable
Dolphins defensive end Shaq Lawson, who signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Dolphins in the offseason, was a limited participant in practice Thursday after recovering from an illness that was not related to COVID-19.
“Shaq, so everyone is clear on this, it wasn’t covid-19 related. Just a bug,” Dolphins coach Brian Flores said. “He’s feeling a lot better.”
Lawson is also dealing with a shoulder injury he sustained in last week’s loss to Seattle and is questionable to play against the 49ers.
Lawson, a former firstround pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2016, has started and played in at least 64% of the snaps in each of Miami’s
four games this season. He has accounted for nine tackles, six quarterback hits and a sack.
Injury report
Floreswas also optimistic about the injuries to starting left tackle Austin Jackson (foot) and starting tight end DurhamSmythe (knee).
Jackson, one of three first-round picks by Miami in the 2020 NFL draft, did not practice for the second straight day Thursday.
“But he’s definitely made some progress this week,” Flores said of Jackson. “We’ll see where that goes, maybe [Friday]. But we’re getting other guys ready.”
If Jackson is unable to play Sunday, the Dolphins have a number of options on the offensive line, which include starting backup Julien Davenport at left tackle, starting rookie Robert Hunt at right tackle and moving Jesse Davis to left tackle, or playingHunt at left tackle.
As for Smythe, who sustained his injury during the Seahawks game, Flores said he made some improvements this week. Smythe has also missed both practice days thisweek.
“We’ll just take it day by day. He’s definitely working to get back,” Flores said of Smythe, who has started in three of four games as an inline tight end, while also catching three passes in the last two games.
Leading receiver DeVante Parker (ankle) and starting right guard Solomon Kindley (foot) were
both full participants Thursday after being limited in Wednesday’s practice.
Rookie receiver Malcolm Perry did not practice on Thursday due to an illness, not related toCOVID-19.
Dolphins keeping an on Titans’ outbreak
eye
NFL teams are keeping a close eye on the Tennessee Titans’ COVID-19 outbreak in the last two weeks as two more members of the organization tested positive for coronavirus onWednesday.
The Titans have had 23 people, 13 players and 10 team personnel, test positive since Sept. 24, according to reports.
The tests forced Tennessee to postpone its game against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week and its game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday could also be in limbo.
Flores said his first thoughts go out to the players and personnel members, and their overall health before thinking about football.
Flores also stressed the importance of continuing to followCOVID-19 protocols.
“We gottamake smart decisions. And if we do that collectively as a league, then I’m very optimistic. It’s going to be a challenge though,” Flores said.
He later added: “I love coaching, the players love playing so we’re going to do everything we can to create a situation wherewe play an entire season.”