Chris Perkins: The Dolphins’ ability to manage their injuries could lead to an incredible season
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It’s possible that Dolphins center Connor Williams recovered from his groin injury earlier in the season than he should have. Williams has missed three more games, possibly as a result of his one-game absence. On the other hand, two games prior, cornerback Xavien Howard, who was also hindered by a groin injury, said he was ready. He is not permitted to play.
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The Dolphins, it seems, have learned their injury lessons from both last year and this year. As a result, they’re prioritizing being healthy late in the year and in the playoffs over yearlong health. It appears to be a well-executed plan. Now, we should issue a word of caution. Let’s not hand out any congratulations just yet. This thing is far from over. The offensive line could go either way health-wise, and the same for running back and cornerback.
And you still have to hope that Jalen Ramsey, the cornerback, did not return from knee surgery too soon (which I doubt he did). But the strategy is starting to take shape. Everyone remembers how the Dolphins hobbled into the Buffalo Wild Card game the previous year. They were without running back Raheem Mostert, guard Bradley Chubb, safety Brandon Jones, right tackle Brandon Shell, left guard Liam Eichenberg, and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. History doesn’t seem to repeat itself in that manner. Yes, there is still a serious injury concern for the Dolphins.
But as of right now, every indication suggests that Howard and Williams will play again on Sunday in Germany against Kansas City. It is anticipated that other important players will soon return and be fit for the final stretch. Think about how methodical the Dolphins have been when it comes to player returns from injury. All of this suggests that crucial players like Howard, Williams, running back De’Von Achane (knee), Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead, and running back Terron Armstead will play together and be as healthy as possible at some point shortly after the bye week.
Consider how they’ve managed designating the eight players who could return from injured reserve, even leaving a spot for a player such as wide receiver River Cracraft, their best blocking wide receiver and a core special teams player. The Dolphins are setting themselves up to make a Super Bowl run. Take a look at how things are framed after Sunday’s showdown against Kansas City in Germany. The Dolphins get the bye week for additional health concerns to clear up.
After that they get an eight-game regular-season runway that allows them a competitive takeoff for a two- or three-game run to the Super Bowl. Look at it like an ultra-intense 10- or 11-game season. Coach Mike McDaniel didn’t frame it in that fashion last week. But listen to what he said about holding Howard out of the New England game, and consider that he said it was the same deal for Williams.
“Very much so had to look at the big picture and what a setback or nagging issue would do to this team and what we’re trying to do,” McDaniel said. “I wouldn’t say he enjoyed watching the last game, but he enjoyed doing what was right for the team. And I know he enjoys playing much more than watching.”
The Dolphins want to be as healthy as possible for this crucial second part of the season, give themselves a chance to see what they’ve built. The good thing is, most of this stretch run could happen at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins finish with four of their last five regular-season games at home. After that, they could get home-field advantage for their two-game AFC playoff run (divisional round playoff game and AFC Championship).
The Dolphins need to get home-field advantage throughout the playoffs so they can avoid places such as Kansas City, Buffalo, Cincinnati or wherever else isn’t Hard Rock Stadium. As it is, they’ve given themselves their best chance at being healthy for the most important part of the season. If they have to go on the road, that’s what must be done. The way things are setting up, if the Dolphins have to leave Hard Rock Stadium for a playoff game or two, their injury management plan is giving them the best chance to have a large number of their key players healthy — Tagovailoa, wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Mostert, Achane, Armstead, right guard Robert Hunt, right tackle Austin Jackson, Howard, Ramsey and fellow cornerback Kader Kohou, safety Jevon Holland, edge rushers Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins — for the most important games of the season. ©2023 South Florida Sun Sentinel. Visit at sun-sentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
