Perhaps the worst has passed the Miami Dolphins by. The Dolphins were severely undermanned during their Week 2 preseason contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — half the starting defense was on the shelf with injury. So, too, was at least three key contributors on offense and the team’s primary return-man on special teams.
The injury bug hasn’t claimed anyone with anything significant to this point in the preseason for the Dolphins — thank goodness for that. But bumps and bruises have stretched this team thin, revealing the alarming lack of depth in some areas on the roster. But yesterday brought a bit of good news for Miami: reinforcements are here.
The Dolphins welcomed two-time Pro Bowl safety Reshad Jones back to the practice field yesterday, along with wide receiver Jakeem Grant and running back Kalen Ballage. Ballage was held out of Friday’s preseason contest for nothing more than precautionary measures, but his return is welcomed none the less.
From here, the Dolphins will get a chance to reshuffle their secondary rotation and return Minkah Fitzpatrick to the slot — he’s been serving as the team’s strong safety in the absence of Jones and fellow safety T.J. McDonald. Grant’s return is equally important, as rookie WR Preston Williams can once again focus on mastering his routes on offense and have return duty taken off of his plate.
Here’s to a few more starters finding their way back from the injury list before the Ravens come to town next month.
