Groin injury forces VanNoy to sit out practice; TE Smythe returns

DAVIE— The Miami Dolphins could be forced to play Sunday’s game against the New York Jets without an intricate piece of their hybrid defense.

Kyle Van Noy, one of the top free-agent additions the Dolphins made this past offseason after signing the seven-year veteran to a four-year deal that could be worth $51 million, sat out Wednesday’s practice because of a groin strain.

Van Noy is the second Dolphins defender who left Sunday’ s 43-17 win over the San Francisco 49 e rs with a major injury. Defensive tackle D avon God ch aux suffered a biceps injury that could end his season.

It is possible that VanN oy, who has contributed 19 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and one recovery in the five games he’s played this season, could return to practice later thisweek, participate on a limited basis and still play in Sunday’ s home game.

The Dolphins do have a bye next week, and that break could give the versatile linebacker the time he needs for the soreness in his groin to subside.

A groin injury typically takes a month to heal properly, butmany players attempt to play through the pain. However, groin strains usually limit a player’s ability to open up his hips and run at full speed.

That could motivate the Dolphins to alter how they utilize Van Noy, who fills many roles based on each week’s opponent, and their game plan.

Andrew Van Ginkel, a former Wisconsin stand out the Dolphins selected in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL draft, has served as Van Noy’s top backup and would likely replace him if the team captain is held out of Sunday’s game.

Van Ginkel started one of the five games he’s played this season, and has contributed 14 tackles, 2 ½ sacks and one forced fumble in the limited role he’s held this season.

Van Ginkel got 46 snaps in last Sunday’ s win over San Francisco, which is more than twice as many as his previous season high of 20 against Jacksonville, and it’s possible that was a byproduct of Van Noy being hurt.

The Dolphins could also elevate Sam Eguavoen’s role and utilize defensive linemen Jason St row bridge and Ty shun Render onthe edges if Van Noy is limited or can’t play against the Jets.

Injury update

Tight end Durham Smythe, who suffered a knee injury earlier this month, returned to practice Wednesday but had his participation limited.

Adam Shaheen replaced Smythe as Miami’s in-line tight end against the 49 er sand scored a touchdown on his one reception.

Defensive end Shaq Lawson was also limited during practice as the Dolphins test out the shoulder injury he suffered in Miami’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks earlier this month. ...

Receiver De Van te Parker( ankle ), safety Kavon Frazier (shoulder), corner backs Xavien Howard( knee) and Byron Jones (groin and Achilles) and offensive guard Solomon Kindley (foot) all practicedwithout limitations despite their injuries.

Flacco to start

Joe Flacco will get his second straight start at quarterback for the Jets (0-5) in place of the injured Sam Darnold.

Coach Adam Gase confirmed Wednesday that the 35-year-old Flacco would be under center Sunday at the Dolphins. That comes after Darnold missed last week’ s game against Arizona with a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder.

Flacco went 18 of 33 for 195 yards and one touch down in New York’s 30-10 loss.

Darnold, who was injured in the Jets’ 37-28 loss to Denver on Oct .1, did not practice Wednesday. D arnold left the game against the Broncos for a few plays but returned to finish it.

He has not practiced since, though, and it’s uncertain when he will return.