Two coaches return afterCOVID-19 quarantine
The Miami Dolphins’ COVID19 situation appears to be improving with the return of two assistant coaches to practice.
Dolphins quarterback coach Robby Brown and defensive line coach Marion Hobby were seen during the open portion of practice Wednesday as Miami (6-3) began its preparations for a road game against the Denver Broncos (3-6) on Sunday.
Second-year defensive tackle Christian Wilkins remains on the NFL’s reserve/COVID-19 list and could miss his second straight game next week. Practice squad receiver Matt Cole, a rookie who has not played this season, is also still on the list.
Flores did not wish to comment further on the status of his players. He also appeared strongly against the potential forming of a bubble environment for his coaches, similar to what the Dallas Cowboys have done this week for members of the organization.
“Look, if I wasn’t able to see my family, my wife ormy kids, I’mnot going to be as good of a coach — period,” Flores said Wednesday morning.
The NFL released a memo Wednesday in forming teams they must go into intense COVID-19 protocol starting Saturday, which includes in-person meetings being held virtually or in large spaces and team members having to wear masks while practicing, according to NFL Network.
The Dolphins have been in intensive protocol since an assistant coach tested positive for COVID-19 on Nov. 5 or 6 before the Arizona Cardinals game.
“You have to understand it’s about safety first,” safety Bobby McCain said .“It’ s about the players, it’ s about the people in the building, making sure everybody is safe.
“If we have tobe in protocol for the rest of theyear, that’s just what it has tobe. Youhave to lock inand be able to understand that taking the teaching from the meeting, fromthe [virtual] classroom to the field, is going to be very important because you don’t have that extra
time in the building.”
Brown and Hobby were among four coaches who missed the past two Dolphins games due to COVID-19 protocols. Outside linebackers coach Austin Clark and offensive quality control coach Kolby Smith also missed Miami’s wins over the Cardinals and Los Angeles Chargers.
Defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander missed Miami’s win at Arizona but returned to practice
last week and was on the sidelines for the last Sunday’s Chargers game.
Wilkins and Cole were among four players whowere placed on the NFL’s reserve/COVID-19 list in the past twoweeks.
Rookie receiver Lynn Bow den Jr. was on the list for five days, missing the Arizona game. He was also inactive for the Chargers game.
Outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy was on the list for four days, and able to play in the Chargers game as negative testing and contact tracing led to his availability.
“Again, we’re just following the protocols for all players from a COVID standpoint,” Flores said. “I’m not going to go into anyone’s medical situation.”
Practice notes
Van Noy, who sustained a hip injury during the Chargers game, was not seen working with teammates when practice began Wednesday.
“Van Noy got dinged up in the game ,” Flores said before practice. “He’s received treatment and just taking it one day at a time, trying to rehab and get back as quickly as he can.”
Dolphins running backMatt Breida, who missed the past two games with a hamstring injury, was a full participant at practice— an encouraging sign after he was a limited participant lastweek.
“Breida has been out the last couple of weeks, but he’s been working to get back,” Flores said. “He’s been practicing and hopefully he can continue to improve. I know he’s working hard and wants to be out there.
Rookie offensive lineman Soloman Kindley, who was recently demoted from starting right guard and then regained the job, was a limited participant due to a foot injury.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa popped up on the injury report with a foot injury, but he was a full participant in practice along with safety K avon Frazier( shoulder ), corner back Byron Jones (Achilles), defensive end Shaq Lawson (shoulder), defensive back Jamal Perry (foot) and tight end Durham Smythe (knee).