DAVIE, Fla. _ The Miami Dolphins might have to play Saturday's game against the Buffalo Bills without starting cornerback Byron Maxwell.
Maxwell, who sprained his right ankle in last Saturday's 34-13 win over the New York Jets, watched Tuesday's practice and rehabbed the injury.
Maxwell, who has started 13 games this season, contributing 53 tackles, two interceptions and forcing four fumbles, said the ankle is still tender. However, he's hopeful he'll recover in time to play against the Bills.
If Maxwell is sidelined by his injury expect rookie cornerback Xavien Howard to start his fifth game of the season. Howard, who has been sidelined by a right knee injury played his first game in two months against the Jets.
He's contributed 31 tackles and forced one fumble this season, and last week against the Jets, the Dolphins' second-round pick made three tackles and broke up three passes.
Also sitting out Tuesday's practice was weakside linebacker Jelani Jenkins, who has been nursing a knee injury all season. Jenkins played against the Jets but had to be replaced by Spencer Paysinger in the second half because he struggled in pass coverage.
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