Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Wilkins returns to practice, playing status unclear
MIAMI GARDENS — Christian Wilkins has never missed a game due to injury during his three-year career with the Miami Dolphins, but there’s a chance that streak could come to and end this week.
Wilkins, who did miss two games in 2020 because of COVID19, is nursing a calf injury that he likely suffered during Miami’s 22-10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens last Thursday.
Wilkins, who has started 36 of the 40 games he’s played since the Dolphins selected him in the firstround of the 2019 NFL draft, was held out of Wednesday’s practice session. Because Thursday’s practice session is a walk-through, it’s difficult to assess how much his injury will impact his availability or performance.
Wilkins, who has contributed 44 tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble, is one of the Dolphins’ most impactful defensive linemen. He’s on pace for one of his better statistical seasons, and would be a difficult player to replace because of his position versatility, which allows the 6-foot-4, 310-pounder to play all over the defensive front.
If he is held out of Sunday’s game against the New York Jets (2-7) the Dolphins would likely lean on Zach Sieler and Adam Butler to play more snaps. Both have been used as role players in specific packages, usually coming into the game when Wilkins is taken off.
Butler, who has contributed 13 tackles and one sack this season, is used as a pass-rushing specialist, and Sieler, who has registered 35 tackles and recovered two fumbles, is used primarily on running downs ....
Dolphins add new QB
The Dolphins swapped backup quarterbacks, replacing Jake Dolegala with Jake Luton on the practice squad this week. Dolegala spent a month with the team after quarterback Reid Sinnett was claimed by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Luton, an Oregon State standout whom the Jacksonville Jaguars selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL draft, started three games for the Jaguars last season, and they were all losses. He’s completed 54 percent of his passes for 624 yards with two touchdowns and six interceptions.
Luton became available when he was released from the Seattle Seahawks practice squad earlier this week.
It’s doubtful that Miami will need Luton anytime soon because Tua Tagovailoa practiced on Thursday without any limitations, which means the injured middle finger on this throwing hand might not limit his performance.
Jacoby Brissett, who suffered a knee injury in Miami’s win over the Ravens last Thursday, has been a full participant in Miami’s past two practices.
Safety shakeup
Miami re-signed safety Sheldrick Redwine to the practice squad, where he’ll take the place of Jamal Perry, who was elevated up to the 53-man roster to address the likely absence of Elijah Campbell, who is primarily used on special teams.
Campbell, who is nursing a toe injury, was limited on Thursday.
The Dolphins signed Redwine, a former University of Miami standout, to the 53-man roster in late October. But he hasn’t played in a game since joining the team, and Miami released him Tuesday.
Perry, a reserve safety and nickel cornerback, has spent the past two seasons as one of Miami’s top gunner, but his struggled during training camp cost him his spot on the 53-man roster.
Perry has played in three games this season contributing two tackles.