Branch returns, but Wake sits again

DAVIE – Just when one might think the Miami Dolphins may be over an injury hurdle, another issue presents itself.

First the significant news: Longtime defensive end Cameron Wake missed his second straight practice with a knee injury.

Dolphins coach Adam Gase said the team is taking a day-to-day approach with Wake, who injured his knee in Week 3 against the Raiders, but was able to play last week against the Patriots.

“You know him and how he takes care of his body,” Gase said of Wake on Thursday. “He gave us everything he had Sunday, and it wasn’t easy for him.

Wake missing Thursday’s practice may not be an encouraging sign for the Dolphins, but he could return on Friday.

Wake did not practice on Wednesday for the second straight week, but did participate in practice Thursday and Friday before the Patriots game.

Now, the good news for the Dolphins on the injury front: defensive end Andre Branch returned to practice for the first time since injuring his knee against the Raiders in Week 3.

Branch was running and going through position drills with his defensive line teammates during practice. He was a limited participant.

It may still be too early to determine if Branch will play in Cincinnati on Sunday.

But news of his return is encouraging.

Dolphins receiver DeVante Parker, who injured his quadriceps muscle in practice last Friday, was seen working out on a stationary bike at times during the portion of Thursday’s practice open to the media. Parker, who was limited in practice, was inactive for the Patriots game – his third inactive game of the season.