Report: Howard has knee scope to fix meniscus injury

MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins star cornerback Xavien Howard reportedly had arthroscopic surgery to repair the meniscus in his left knee.

It is possible Howard, who did not play in Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots, could return to action for the Dolphins in the final three games of the regular season.

Howard reportedly had the meniscus in his knee trimmed, according to the NFL Network. Procedures of that nature typically do not require a lengthy recovery.

Howard, in his third season out of Baylor, leads the NFL with seven interceptions this season.

Howard caught two interceptions in each of his last two games, including last week’s win over the Buffalo Bills, in which Howard was injured after making his second pick.

Howard took a hit to his left knee while making the return on the interception in the third quarter. He missed the first play of the fourth quarter as he was evaluated on the sidelines between quarters, before returning to finish the game.

Dolphins coach Adam Gase preferred to keep whether Howard had surgery as an “in-house” issue this past week.

Gase did indicate Howard’s knee injury was not severe and said his status was week-to-week.

“We think he’ll be back at some point this season. If it’s this week, next week, the week after that — I don’t know,” Gase said.

After the Dolphins face the Patriots on Sunday, they will visit the Minnesota Vikings on Dec. 16, host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 23 and visit the Bills on Dec. 30.

Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill suffered a right foot injury shortly before halftime of Sunday’s game that forced him to head to the locker room early, but returned in the second half.

Tannehill was dropping back and trying to escape a collapsing pocket before his right foot was stepped on by Dolphins right tackle Ja’Wuan James with less than a minute left in the first half.

Tannehill was able to limp to the Dolphins sideline and into the locker room after the play with the Patriots holding a 27-21 lead.

Tannehill was one of the first players on the field for Miami when halftime came to an end, warming up with receiver Danny Amendola before the second half began.

“Honestly, it feels like crap, but it is what it is,” Tannehill said after the game. “You’ve got to be able to fight through some things like that. Training staff did a good job of tightening it up and giving me a wrap and a spat and felt good enough to go.” Amendola, Swanson return: The Dolphins leading receiver Danny Amendola and offensive lineman Travis Swanson returned to the lineup Sunday.

Both starting players missed last week’s victory over the Buffalo Bills to nurse injuries.

Amendola, who is recovering from a right knee injury, faced his former team for the second time this season.

Swanson, who became Miami’s starting center after Daniel Kilgore suffered a season-ending injury, returned from an ankle injury to his spot in the starting lineup.

Swanson’s return was imperative with Dolphins third-year offensive lineman Jake Brendel, who is dealing with a calf injury, among seven inactive players for the Patriots game.

Quarterback David Fales, offensive guard Isaac Asiata, offensive tackle Zach Sterup, defensive end Jonathan Woodard and receiver Isaiah Ford were inactive for the Dolphins.