Miami Dolphins could be without Tyreek Hill, multiple starters in Week 15 vs. Jets

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins could be without multiple key starters on Sunday including star wide receiver Tyreek Hill as they prepare to host the New York Jets.

Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel spoke with the media on Friday and wasn’t 100 percent certain about Hills’ status for Sunday’s AFC East battle.

McDaniel said Hill would be questionable for Sunday’s game. More alarming, however, is that McDaniel confirmed Hill would not be practicing on Friday— making it an entire week of missed practice for Miami’s explosive playmaker.

“He’s such an important part of our team that we’re going to make sure that when he’s on the field, he’s not at risk to further injury himself,” said McDaniel on Friday.

With Hill in and out of the lineup on Monday, veteran Cedrick Wilson got an increase in snaps and touches.

If Hill misses Sunday’s game, Dolphins fans could see a heavier dose of wide receivers Braxton Berrios, River Cracraft, Chase Claypool and former Jets WR Robbie Chosen.

Hill has caught 97 of 132 targets for an NFL-best 1,542 yards (15.9 YPC) and 12 touchdowns. He’s getting closer to Calvin Johnson’s NFL receiving record of 1942 yards, but his long-term health for Miami’s playoff push ultimately matters most.

Hill spoke about the injury after Monday Night’s 28-27 loss to the Titans.

“It was a lot of pain, man. It sucked,” Hill told reporters this week. “When it actually happened, I’ve obviously been dealing with some ankle injuries this whole season, and when it happened..my first reaction was like, man, my ankle is gone. My adrenaline kicked in, I ran off the field, then I sat for a while and it got stiff and I was going through a lot of pain.”

Guard Robert Hunt (hamstring) and safety DeShon Elliott (concussion protocol) were ruled out for Sunday’s game.

Also listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report were cornerback Xavien Howard (hip), left tackle Terron Armstead (knee/ankle), right tackle Austin Jackson (oblique), linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (oblique), safety Jevon Holland (knees), running back De’Von Achane (toe), Liam Eichenberg (calf) and Chris Brooks (knee).

All of those players were limited in Friday’s practice.

Armstead said Friday that he is “close” to returning.

Holland was non-committal about his status for Sunday, and it’s possibly the Dolphins start safety could miss a third game in a row with two sprained MCLs.

With Elliott out and Holland in doubt, the Dolphins could give Brandon Jones, Elijah Campbell and perhaps Nik Needham more playing time at the position.

Eichenberg also worked only on the side Friday, with a trainer, during the portion of practice open to reporters. He said “I would not be surprised if I’m out there” but added that a trainer will decide his availability for the game.

Miami (9-4) will look to rebound when they host the New York Jets (5-8) from Hard Rock Stadium at 1 p.m. Sunday.