Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Flores upbeat about sidelined starters
DAVIE — Two potential Miami Dolphins starters are not participating during voluntary workouts this week due to injuries.
Dolphins coach Brian Flores did not wish to disclose the extent of third-year linebacker Raekwon McMillan or veteran tight end Dwayne Allen’s injuries, but did express optimism for a speedy recovery for both.
“Raekwon is one of the most diligent workers,” Flores said of McMillan, who was seen working out with a trainer after Miami’s OTA session on Tuesday.
“He’s doing everything he can to get back and we expect to see him back fairly soon.”
McMillan, a second-round pick in 2017, started all 16 games last season, and accounted for 105 total tackles, two forced fumbles and a pass deflection in 2019. It was McMillan’s first NFL season with significant playing time after he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his right knee during the first preseason game of his rookie year.
McMillan’s injury allows for 13 other Dolphins linebackers behind seven-year veteran Kiko Alonso and second-year Jerome Baker to impress the new coaching staff.
That group includes thirdround draft pick Andrew Van Ginkel, returning players Mike Hull, Quentin Poling and James Burgess, free-agent newcomers Nate Orchard, Sam Eguavoen, Jayrone Elliott, Tyrone Holmes and undrafted rookies Tre Watson and Terrill Hanks.
Allen’s injury allows for second-year tight ends Mike Gesicki and Durham Smythe to work alongside returning four-year veteran and former FSU standout Nick O’Leary, five-year veteran and former University of Miami Clive Walford and undrafted rookie Chris Myarick.
“He’s dealing with something, and a couple other guys are sick. But you’ll see [Allen] out there,” Flores said.