Van Noy returns to practice, may be limited against Jets
Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, who is dealing with a groin injury, returned to practice in a limited fashion Thursday.
Still, the injury raises concern about whether Van Noy will play in Sunday’s game against the New York Jets (0-5).
If Van Noy does play, it’s likely to be on a limited snap count. If he doesn’t, the Dolphins (2-3) could rest him during the following bye week, with hopes for a strong finish to the 2020 season.
Van Noy played with the injury during Miami’s 43-17 blowout win on the road against the San Francisco 49ers lastweek, coach Brian Flores said. It is unclear when the injury occurred.
“Kyle has a little bit of a groin [injury],” Flores said before Thursday’s practice. “I think it’s something that happened, Iwould say, after [the game].
“These guys, they fight through some things during the game, which he obviously did. But he’s doing everything he can to get back out on the field from a practice, rehab and treatment standpoint.
“He’s a tough guy and obviously a vocal part of the defense and this team from a leadership standpoint. He’s doing everything to get back”
Van Noy, who played under Flores with the New England Patriots, in the offseason signed a four-year deal that could be worth $51 million.
He has 19 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in his first five games with the Dolphins.
Groin injuries typically take several weeks to fully heal. The Dolphins were without cornerback Byron Jones for two games with a groin injury earlier this season before his return to the lineup against the 49ers.
Flores says if Van Noy does play Sunday against the Jets, there is a plan to limit his usage.
“When somebody is nicked up, you go through the contingency plans,” Flores said.“We have a plan ifwe have to limit his snaps. But that’s the case for every position. Kyle is a tough guy. We’ll see. Hopefully, he’s out there [Thursday].”
Rookie could play more snaps
Dolphins rookie defensive tackle Raekwon Davis, one of two second-round picks by the franchise in the 2020 NFL draft, could see an uptick in his playing time due to the potentially season-ending biceps injury to four-year veteran Davon Godchaux.
While Flores praised Davis’ talent, he also said the former Alabama standout is still finding hisway in the NFL.
“He’s got a lot of talent [and he is] big, strong athletic,” Flores said. “But he’s a young player still learning how to play in this league against a lot of good players and still trying to find his way, his niche and role on this team.
“We’re trying to put him in positions where he does well … With the injury to Godchaux, he should get some opportunities along with some other guys. Hopefully he takes advantage of those opportunities.”
Other injury updates
Dolphins defensive end Shaq Lawson (shoulder) and tight end Durham Smythe (knee) were limited participants for the second straight practice. Both players suffered their injuries during Miami’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4 and did not play against the 49ers lastweek.
Receiver DeVante Parker (ankle ), safety K avon Frazier (shoulder), cornerbacks Xavien Howard (knee) and Byron Jones (groin and Achilles) and offensive guard Solomon Kindley (foot) each practiced without limitations for the second straight day despite being listed on the injury report.
Defensive tackle Godchaux did not practice due to the biceps injury he suffered against the 49ers. The injury is a threat to end his season.