After bye week, players say hello to some better health

DAVIE —The bye week served its purpose because the Miami Dolphins are as healthy as they have been in weeks.

Every player on the 53-man roster practiced Wednesday, including receiver Allen Hurns, who is still working his way back from the NFL’s concussion protocol program. But 10 players had their practice participation limited because of injuries they are nursing or illnesses heading into Sunday’s home game against the Washington Redskins.

Even though Xavien Howard, the Dolphins’ top cornerback, had his practice participation limited because of a knee injury that recently flared up, Miami appears to be getting a few starters back in the fold.

Offensive tackle Jesse Davis (right elbow), safeties Bobby McCain (hamstring/shoulder) and Reshad Jones (ankle), receivers Albert Wilson (calf ) and Jakeem Grant (hamstring), and nickel cornerback Jomal Wiltz (groin) are the starters who had their practice participation limited because of their various injuries. Each of those players has missed games, and/or snaps because of lingering injuries, and their availability — or lack thereof — could impact the outcome of Sunday’s showdown between two of the four winless teams remaining in the NFL.

Davis, McCain, Wilson and Wiltz weren’t medically cleared to play in Miami’s 30-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers two weeks ago, and the Dolphins were forced to adapt.

Also limited Wednesday was tailback Mark Walton, who is apparently battling an illness.

Against the Chargers, Walton got more involved in the offense, inheriting some of Kalen Ballage’s carries, and his 3.9-yards-percarry average leads all of Miami’s tailbacks this season.

The Dolphins have openly talked about expanding Walton’s role in the offense, but that would have to be tabled if he’s not healthy.

“I know that he falls in the category of somebody that we are impressed with the way he works, the way he prepares and those things,” Dolphins offensive coordinator Chad O’Shea said about Walton, a former University of Miami standout.

“Certainly, I think like any other player, when you go out and you have some success and you are consistent in your performance, that is probably going to give you another opportunity to go back out there and do it again.”

Center Daniel Kilgore (knee), defensive end Charles Harris (wrist) were also on the injury report, but they practiced without limitations.

Harris has been on the injury report all season because of a wrist injury he’s been nursing since the spring. He has played every game with his right wrist in a brace.

Cornerback Chris Lammons (turf toe) and linebacker Trent Harris (foot) also had their participation limited because of their injuries.

Lammons served as Wiltz’s primary backup at nickel cornerback, and he’s one of the Dolphins’ top special teams contributors. Harris has two tackles this season while primarily working on special teams.

BUTCH DILL/AP Running back Mark Walton is averaging a team-best 3.9 yards per carry for the Dolphins, but he was limited by illness Wednesday in practice and his status for Sunday’s game against Washington is uncertain.