Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Grant leaves in walking boot, Parker’s arm in sling
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Dolphins wide receiver and kick returner Jakeem Grant, who had been practicing with an Achilles injury in recent weeks, suffered a lower leg injury during Sunday’s loss to Green Bay Packers and did not return.
Grant made a cut to run a slant route, but came up lame, limping quickly from the left hash toward the Dolphins sideline while writhing in pain. He was carted to the locker room shortly after being examined on the sideline.
Dolphins coach Adam Gase, was not able to provide an injury update on Grant following the 31-12 loss to the Packers.
But, Grant was able to leave Lambeau Field walking on his own in a walking boot.
“He’s played a crucial role,” receiver Kenny Stills said of Grant, the only player in the NFL to score a touchdown on a kick return and punt return this season.
“He’s been a playmaker for us, a big-play guy, and a big spark for us on offense and special teams.”
Shortly after Grant suffered his injury, wide receiver DeVante Parker suffered a shoulder injury and was taken to the locker room to be further examined.
Parker did not return, and left the stadium with his left arm supported in a sling.
The injuries to the Dolphins receivers occurred during the fourth quarter, with the Dolphins trailing, 28-12.
Dolphins cornerback Bobby McCain also left the game with a head injury after taking a blindside hit in the third quarter.
The Dolphins began the game with offensive linemen Laremy Tunsil (left knee), Ja’Wuan James (right knee) and Ted Larsen (neck) inactive due to injuries.
“We got a bye week coming up,” said safety Reshad Jones. “We got a chance now to get healthy and make a run now down this stretch.”
Jones punished: Jones started his first game of the season on the sidelines as punishment in Sunday’s game.
Jones, who did not reenter last week’s win over the New York Jets because he did not want to be part of a secondary rotation, was forced to stay on the sidelines during the first quarter at Lambeau Field.
Jones entered the game on the first defensive drive in the second quarter after Packers running back Aaron Jones already ran for 96 yards and scored a touchdown, giving Green Bay an early 14-3 lead.
“Coaches decision,” said Jones, who knew heading into the game he would serve the reprimand. “Whenever I got out there, I did whatever I could to help the football team win the football game.”
In place of Jones, rookie Minkah Fitzpatrick started alongside T.J. McDonald at the safety positions after Miami turned the ball over on its first offensive possession of the game.
Xavien Howard and McCain started at cornerback, rounding out the Dolphins secondary.
Torry McTyer was the first defensive back off the bench for the Dolphins defense during the Packers’ first offensive series, which resulted in Aaron Rodgers throwing a 7-yard touchdown to receiver Davante Adams with 6:07 left in the first quarter.
Jones was taken out after the third series of last week’s game as the Dolphins rotated players in the back end of their defense, but he chose to not play again after being substituted.