Team news: Miami Dolphins | Page 4

The Dolphins are keeping one of their key offensive players sidelined for at least the next few practices.

Head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters in his Monday press conference that De’Von Achane is unlikely to practice this week due to a calf issue.

Related players: Ollie Gordon, Jaylen Wright

But McDaniel noted that Achane getting held out of practice is precautionary, the story went on to say. We also just posted a news story about how Gordon and Wright are battling for the team's RB2 role, which the Dolphins would like to see go to more of a power back. As far as Achane goes, it sounds like it's not serious and he should be fine before Week 1.

But does Dolphins rookie running back Ollie Gordon II, who rushed for 50 yards on 10 carries in last Saturday’s 24-17 victory over the Lions, provide everything that’s necessary as RB2 behind starting running back De’Von Achane and ahead of second-year running back Jaylen Wright?

It appears to me that he does. Gordon, this year’s sixth-round pick from Oklahoma State, at this point seems better equipped to serve as Achane’s primary backup than Wright, last year’s fourth-round pick out of Tennessee.

Keep in mind, this is just the opinion of the author. However, with Alexander Mattison now missing the season, the team is looking for a power back to perhaps get short-yardage and goal line carries. The author said Gordon (6 foot 2, 225 pounds) provides more power than Wright (5-10, 208). The author added Gordon hits holes faster and more decisively, he has better hands and more special teams value. He also shows a knack for double-digit gains on the ground and in the air. It remains to be seen what direction the Dolphins go in for this role. Achane is currently missing time with an injury, so both Gordon and Wright are getting plenty of chances to show their stuff.

Packers QB Jordan Love returned to practice.

Related players: Malik Willis

Schneidman went on to post that Love is doing phantom handoffs and throws while Willis takes the first snaps of the day. We’ll see how limited he ends up being today, but a return, nonetheless, according to Schneidman. Love had surgery on his left, non-throwing thumb and is expected to be ready to go for Week 1, but his status is still worth monitoring through the rest of camp to see how he progresses.

The ball skills that made Jahan Dotson a 2022 first-round pick by the Washington Commanders are showing up more in his first full training camp in Philly. Among the signs, Dotson hauled in a contested catch on Tuesday against rookie cornerback Mac McWilliams along the right sideline. There’s a growing sense that Dotson could contribute more than the 19 catches for 216 yards that he fielded on short notice last season.

“I’ve always had a lot of confidence in Jahan,” Eagles wide receiver coach Aaron Moorehead said. “We really liked him coming out (of the draft) and was super excited when Howie traded for him last year and just thought that he adds a great dimension to the offense as a third guy."

Related players: A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Johnny Wilson, Ainias Smith, Terrace Marshall, Saquon Barkley, Dallas Goedert

There isn't much behind Brown and Smith, of course besides Barkley, as a pass-catching threat. Goedert has been good at times, but is 30-years-old, and the Eagles haven't traditionally got a lot from their WR3 over the years. So, it's certainly possible Dotson has a bigger role, especially of Goedert starts to show some age at the TE position. Dotson isn't getting drafted in most leagues so he should be around very late in drafts if you want to take a chance.

The Dolphins opted to sign Mike Boone and Aaron Shampklin on Monday upon the bad news for Alexander Mattison. Neither is the power runner Mattison is, but they were the choices over Jamaal Williams, who is known to bulldoze his way between the tackles.

“When we work out guys, we base it on the facts in front of us,” said McDaniel, indicating the roster spots were earned in the tryout.

Related players: Jaylen Wright, Ollie Gordon II, De'Von Achane

Perhaps the most important thing to note is McDaniel also said the team selected capable short-yardage backs in the past two drafts in Wright and Gordon II, along with key run blockers. If the Dolphins do feel strongly about that, it's more likely one of those two backs takes over the role Mattison may have had. But then one has to wonder, why weren't they in that position before the team felt the need to sign Mattison. Outside of Achane, this will be a situation to monitor.

Packers GM Brian Gutekunst said QB Jordan Love is undergoing a procedure on his left thumb. It’s a ligament issue.

Related players: Malik Willis, Sean Clifford

The injury happened Saturday against the Jets in the preseason game. Demovsky went on to say that’s why Love had had his thumb taped Monday in practice. While there is no mention of his Week 1 status, the hope, according to the post, is for Love to return to practice next week. This will be worth monitoring as the rest of camp goes on. While Love could certainly play through a left thumb injury, it can still affect handing off the ball and taking snaps under center. However, the team doesn't think this will affect their QB long-term.

Dolphins running back Alexander Mattison’s season is over.

Mattison underwent season-ending neck surgery on Sunday in Chicago, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Mattison hurt his neck during Sunday’s preseason game against the Bears and had the surgery at a nearby hospital after the game.

Related players: De’Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, Ollie Gordon, Jamaal Williams

The seriousness of the injury stands in contrast to what Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said after the game when he said he was doing well and had some neck and shoulder soreness, the story pointed out. Mattison was looking good early in camp according to reports, and seemed like he could be a viable change of pace and goal line option for Achane. The team was hosting Williams to perhaps take that role.

Tyreek Hill (oblique) not in pads

Also not suited up here for Miami Dolphins

Mo Kamara (protocol) Alec Ingold (protocol) Austin Jackson, Andrew Meyer, Byron Matos, Ashtyn Davis, Cam Smith, Dante Trader

Related Players: Jaylen Waddle, Malik Washington, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

It's been quite the tumultuous calendar year for Tyreek, who has buried his running back at one point, his whole team at another, and has been called out by his quarterback on a third occasion. This all comes after arguably his least efficient season of his career. Hill should be considered a mid-tier WR2, even if he doesn't miss any time.

The Dolphins have agreed to terms with WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine on a two-year, $6.5 million deal with $3.2 million guaranteed.

Coming off a career-high nine receiving TDs last season, NWI is on his way to Miami.

Related Players: Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Malik Washington

Westbrook-Ikhine has popped from time to time over the last couple of seasons, but he did so on a Titans team severely lacking in wide receiver depth. Even if he were to lock down a WR3 role in Miami, the target share is thin behind Hill and Waddle.

Dolphins WRs Tyreek Hill (wrist) and Jaylen Waddle (knee) are both questionable for Sunday vs. Cleveland.

Related Players: Malik Washington, River Cracraft, Jonnu Smith

Waddle feels like the more likely candidate to miss, but it's been reported that Tyreek has been playing through ailments through most of the season. Consider Hill a WR2 if he suits up.