Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Injured cornerback Maxwell likely won’t play Sunday.
DAVIE — Dolphins cornerback Byron Maxwell, who has been battling an ankle injury, was listed as doubtful on Friday’s injury report, meaning there’s a good chance the team will be without its most veteran defensive back in Sunday’s AFC wild-card playoff game at Pittsburgh.
Maxwell, the only member of the secondary with postseason experience after going to two Super Bowls with Seattle, would likely be replaced again by rookie cornerback Xavien Howard.
Linebacker Jelani Jenkins (knee) and safety Bacarri Rambo (chest), both listed as questionable, were limited in Friday’s practice but it appears both will play. That should be a boost to a defense about to face Pittsburgh’s power trio of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, running back Le’Veon Bell and wide receiver Antonio Brown.
Maxwell, a sixth-year pro, has 53 tackles, 15 passes defended, two interceptions and four forced fumbles. But the ankle injury that limited him to two series in the New York Jets game three weeks ago hasn’t improved much this week.
“We have him as doubtful, so it just doesn’t look real good right now,” coach Adam Gase said. “I know he wants to be out there. It’s just a tough injury for him.”
Gase said Maxwell’s ankle is “affecting his movement pattern. ... When your movements are limited, it’s tough to overcome when you’re going against really good receivers.”
Gase was more optimistic about Jenkins, who covered Bell in pass defense when these teams played Oct. 16.
“He looks a lot better than he did last time, I know that,” Gase said. “I don’t think anybody right now is really looking like they did in Week 1. I think that’s across the board around the NFL.”
Jason Jones released
The Dolphins released veteran defensive end Jason Jones on Friday, a move that was a bit of a surprise.
According to a league source, Jones was healthy and his release had nothing to do with a legal issue. However, the team didn’t plan on playing Jones against the Steelers.
Jones, who started five games this season, had 36 tackles, 3.5 sacks and broke up two passes in the 14 games he played.
His release opens the door for Miami to add a veteran free agent before Sunday’s game, or to promote someone from the practice squad. Jones’ absence could also open the door for veteran defensive end Mario Williams (1.5 sacks) to be active. Williams was inactive last week against New England.
Gase said Jones’ release wasn’t related to detrimental conduct.
“It was just an organizational decision,” Gase said. “It’s what we thought was best for us moving forward, getting ready for this game.”
Awards presented
Running back Jay Ajayi was named the team’s Dan Marino Most Valuable Player, the Dolphins announced Friday.
The award is voted on by South Florida media and members of the Dolphins organization.
Defensive end Cameron Wake was given the Don Shula Leadership Award as well as the Ed Block Courage Award, and wide receiver Kenny Stills won the Nat Moore Community Service Award, which is presented by the Miami Dolphins Foundation.
Wake and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh were also voted second-team All-Pro by the Associated Press, announced Friday. None of the Dolphins were voted first-team All-Pro.