Dolphins enjoy presence of guest WRs coach
Former Bengals star Johnson offers tips during drills.
DAVIE — The Dolphins have had a few surprise visitors lately, and Thursday former Pro Bowl wide receiver Chad Johnson was out at practice working with the receivers.
Johnson spent the stretching portion of practice in conversation with coach Adam Gase, then jumped in the middle of the receiver drills as an extra coach.
“I t was g re a t hav i ng a legend out there with us,” rookie Jakeem Grant said. “It was a big surprise. We had no idea.
“Having him out there telling us little things he learned and giving us tips was great. We loved having him.”
Last week, the Dolphins welcomed former boxing champion Evander Holyfield.
Johnson, now 38 and four years removed from playing in the NFL, worked as a guest instructor with the Browns earlier this season.
Johnson, who once was k n o w n a s “O c h o c i n c o ” because he wore jersey number 85, was with the Dolphins briefly in 2012, when he signed in June and was released two months later after an arrest.
Maxwell likely to miss game: Cornerback Byron Maxwell hasn’t practiced all week, and his chances of playing Saturday at Buffalo are “not promising.”
He hurt his ankle in last week’s game at the Jets and it swelled up significantly overnight. He initially thought it was fine, but hasn’t been able to move laterally or cut on it.
“It’s about pain tolerance, so I’m trying to get the swelling out and then I can be out there,” he said. “But I can’t really use it right now. I can’t really function.”
The only thing Maxwell has done this week is some light running. He has yet to sprint at full speed.
Dolphins coach Adam Gase hasn’t indicated either way whether Maxwell will be active against the Bills. If he’s out, the team will start Xavien Howard and Tony Lippett at corner.
Playoff push: Gase was asked about the mindset of his team during the push for a postseason spot. The Dolphins currently hold the sixth and final playoff berth in the AFC. There are many scenarios under which they can make the playoffs, the simplest being winning their final two games against the Bills and next week at home against the Patriots.
“I see guys focused on the challenge they have Satur- day,” he said. “It’s place that’s tough to win, against te am looking to beat us. They’re well-coached, playing extremely hard and well right now. This is going to be one of those games where it’s probably going to come down to whoever has the ball last. I wouldn’t expect anything less for a division game this late in the year.