Dolphins get boost as key players prepare for K.C.

The Dolphins may have veteran linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Elandon Roberts available Sunday against the Chiefs, though both are listed as questionable. Running back DeAndre Washington is returning from a hamstring injury.

The Dolphins will be without at least one running back and their starting left guard against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium.

But two linebackers might return from injury.

Coach Brian Flores said Friday that linebackers Kyle Van Noy (hip) and Elandon Roberts (chest) are questionable for the Chiefs game. Both returned to practice Friday after missing two

days of on-field preparations.

“It was good to get both guys out there today to get some reps,” Flores said.

Van Noy has played through a hip injury for weeks and had three sacks last Sunday against Cincinnati. His return to practice Friday raises optimism that he will play.

Roberts left last Sunday’s game with a chest injury.

Meanwhile, starting left guard Ereck Flowers was ruled out for the Chiefs game after sustaining an ankle injury in the Bengals game.

And running back Salvon Ahmed will miss a third consecutive game with a shoulder injury.

But the Dolphins will get back running back DeAndre Washington from a hamstring injury; he was one of 10 players limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday but all of those 10 players — including Tua Tagovailoa — will be available to play Sunday, Flores said.

Washington will join starter Myles Gaskin and Patrick Laird as available running backs, with receiver Lynn Bowden Jr. also able to play running back.

Running back Matt Breida and cornerback Jamal Perry remain on the COVID-19 list and would need to be activated by 4 p.m.

Saturday to be eligible to play Sunday. The Dolphins never publicly speculate about when a player on the COVID list might return.

The Dolphins would have only four cornerbacks on the roster on Sunday unless they activate Perry or elevate Akeem King, Tino Ellis or Javaris Davis from the practice squad.

Flores said the team hasn’t decided whether to elevate any more players from the practice squad beyond safety Nate Holley.

THIS AND THAT

Besides leading the NFL with eight interceptions, Dolphins

AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com Defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (91) leads fellow lineman Raekwon Davis and other defenders through warmups Friday. The highly-rated Dolphins defense will face its toughest test of the season Sunday against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.