Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Roberts in concussion protocol
LB started opener vs. Patriots and had 4 tackles, but injury’s origin still not certain
The Miami Dolphins could be without a starting defender in Sunday’s Week 2 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
Dolphins linebacker Elandon Roberts, who made his debut with the team last Sunday against New England, is in the NFL’s concussion protocol and did not practice Wednesday. Roberts earned a start and had four tackles, including one for a loss against his former team, the Patriots, in the season opener.
It is unclear when Roberts sustained the concussion. He was on the field for the final play of the Patriots game.
But Roberts will be sidelined until he is cleared to return to practice.
If Roberts is unable to play against the Bills, the Dolphins may depend on inside linebackers Kamu Grugier-Hill and Sam Eguavoen to play alongside starting defensive play-caller Jerome Baker.
Grugier-Hill, who also signed with Miami this past offseason, played 18 snaps on defense in the opener, while Eguavoen only played on special teams despite seeing action in all 16 games with one start for the Dolphins last season.
■ Five other Dolphins players were limited in Wednesday’s practice, led by receiver DeVante Parker, whose left hamstring injury flared up in the second half against New England.
Dolphins coach Brian Flores said Parker is day to day.
Cornerback Xavien Howard (knee), cornerback Byron Jones (Achillies), receiver Jakeem Grant (calf ), who all played in the opener, were also limited.
Safety Clayton Fejedelem, who did not play against the Patriots because of a pectoral injury, was also limited.
Two other Dolphins players, linebacker Kyle Van Noy (right hand) and receiver Preston Williams (knee) appeared on the injury report, receiving treatment for areas of concern despite being full participants in practice.
One encouraging note: Dolphins rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) was not listed on the injury report after being listed last week.
■ The Dolphins brought back a familiar name to their practice squad.
Cornerback Cordrea Tankersley, a former third-round pick by Miami in 2017, rejoined the team and practiced Wednesday.
Tankersley, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament during a practice in November 2018 and did not play in 2019, was waived by Miami on Aug. 4 near the start of training camp.
Tankersley appeared in only 17 games for the Dolphins from 2017-18, which included 11 starts with seven pass deflections, 31 tackles and one tackle for a loss as a rookie.
■ The Dolphins also added former University of Miami offensive lineman Tyler Gauthier to their practice squad.
Gauthier started in 29 consecutive games, including 25 at center, for the Hurricanes from 2016-18.