Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Alonso’s mobility still limited
DAVIE — Dolphins linebacker Kiko Alonso participated in his second consecutive practice Thursday and hopes his injured knee and sore hamstring will be healthy enough for him to play in Sunday’s season finale against the Buffalo Bills, his former team.
Alonso leads the Dolphins with 120 tackles, making his possible absence a concern. This week the Dolphins face Bills rookie quarterback Josh Allen, who threw for 231 yards and two touchdowns and gained 135 rushing yards on nine carries against the Dolphins in a Buffalo loss earlier this month.
Alonso was used to spy Allen in Miami’s 21-17 win over the Bills (5-10). The approach wasn’t very effective because of the broken plays Allen capitalized on, but Alonso is Miami’s most polished linebacker.
Alonso sat out last Sunday’s 17-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars because of the injuries he’s been nursing for the past two weeks. According to coach Adam Gase, the Dolphins (7-8) planned for Alonso to play against the Jaguars but his pre-game workout indicated that his mobility was limited.
“He wanted to go. A lot of us weren’t really sure because he didn’t look great. It wasn’t like he was
this close. There was still a little hobble and he looked a little stiff. We didn’t really have anybody else to put up,” Gase said. “We didn’t think it was the right thing to do to put him in the game.”
Alonso’s practice participation has been limited the past two days, but he’ll likely be listed as questionable on Friday.
Mike Hull replaced Alonso, starting against Jacksonville, and contributed two tackles. He’d likely be the choice again if Alonso can’t play. Miami could also pair Stephone Anthony with Jerome Baker and Raekwon McMillan, two linebackers finishing their first season as starters.
Alonso, who has brought down three interceptions and forced three fumbles this season, spent his first two seasons in the NFL with the Bills.
Injury updates: T. J.
McDonald, the Dolphins’ starting strong safety, missed his second practice this week and could be sitting out his second game in a row because of the ankle injury he suffered two weeks ago.
If McDonald doesn’t play on Sunday he’ll finish the season with 86 tackles,
three interceptions and five pass breakups. Minkah Fitzpatrick is expected to start his second straight game, and fifth of the season at safety. Fitzpatrick, the Dolphins’ 2018 firstround pick, has recorded 77 tackles and two interceptions this season.
■ Xavien Howard practiced on a limited basis for the second consecutive day, but it’s unlikely that he’ll play on Sunday based on Gase’s perspective on the way he’s moving. Gase said playing on a turf field in Buffalo could be troublesome for Howard, who is recovering from a meniscus injury to his left knee. If Howard misses his fourth game of the season,
Torry McTyer would make his fourth start.
■ Cornell Armstrong
and Bobby McCain are both nursing ankle injuries, but each practiced without limitations and are expect to play.
■ Defensive end Andre
Branch (knee) and defensive tackle Ziggy Hood
(hamstring) participated in Thursday’s session on a limited basis.
■ Walt Aikens, the Dolphins’ special teams ace, has a cast on his right hand because of an injury he sustained in the Jaguars game. Aikens intends to play with the injury.