Alonso practices; Jets’ Forte, Marshall hurting

A Dolphin defense in need of good news appears to be getting it this week.

Linebacker Kiko Alonso practiced on a limited basis Wednesday after missing the Arizona Cardinals game and practices last week. Alonso, the Dolphins’ leading tackler, is coming off a broken thumb and a hamstr ing injury, the latter of which kept him out vs. Arizona.

“I can move around a lot better,” Alonso said. “I’m good.”

Linebacker Jelani Jenkins, who has knee and hand injuries, also worked on a limited basis but was noncommittal on his chances of returning Saturday against the New York Jets. The season has been a steady stream of start-stop for Jenkins, who has started only six games.

“It’s been frustrating, but it’s how the game goes,” Jenkins said.

J e n k i n s , who h a s n o t been healthy enough to start more than three con- secutive games, said such a string of injuries had never happened to him.

“Not like this,” he said. “I had one season where I missed a couple of games (in college), but not like this.”

The Jets are turning to inexperienced Bryce Petty at quarterback and have issues at skill positions.

Former Bears running back Matt For te has 792 y a rd s a n d s e ve n t ouc h - downs rushing, plus 256 yards receiving, but he was unable to practice Wednesday. He has a torn meniscus in his right knee. Normally, that would eliminate him from playing Saturday, but the Jets have not ruled him out, saying he’s day to day.

“The guy’s a tough guy, so no, I’m not surprised,” Alonso said.

The Jets’ top two receivers, Quincy Eununwa and ex-Dolphin Brandon Marshall, were limited. Enunwa has injured ribs. Marshall has knee, foot and back problems.

Practice report: Because of the short week, the Dolphins held a relatively light prac tice Wednesday. No players were in helmets or pads, which made it possible for pretty much anyone to participate.

■ New quarterback T.J. Yates took reps alongside Matt Moore and practice s q u a d p l a y e r B r a n d o n Doughty. Offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen said the team hasn’t decided who will back up Moore against the Jets.

■ Ryan Tannehill did not attend prac tice, but has been doing rehab work in the building.

■ Wide receiver DeVante Parker (back) was full-go in drills.

■ Defensive end Dion Jordan returned to the sideline for his rehabilitation work. He had been practicing with the defensive line, but the deadline to move him from the non-football injury list to the active roster passed Tuesday with no movement. He is not permitted to practice or play the rest of the season.