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The Miami Dolphins won’t have Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead to protect rookie third-string quarterback Skylar Thompson’s blind side in their must-win Week 18 game against the New York Jets, but they will have cornerback Xavien Howard and edge defender Bradley Chubb available.
All three were somewhat expected entering Sunday. Armstead, who missed the entire week of practice nursing toe, pectoral, knee and hip injuries, was listed as doubtful. Howard (knee) and Chubb (hand/ankle) were questionable, but Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Friday he was optimistic about the prospects of their availability.
Meanwhile, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is active as one of three quarterbacks up for the game. McDaniel was hopeful Bridgewater would be available to back up Thompson, who gets the start as Bridgewater deals with a dislocated pinky finger on his right, throwing hand and starter Tua Tagovailoa misses a second consecutive game in concussion protocol. Miami also has veteran Mike Glennon, just signed this week to the practice squad and elevated Saturday.
The Dolphins will have rookie wide receiver and fourth-round pick Erik Ezukanma active for the first time all season in the regular-season finale. Ezukanma has been a healthy inactive in all 16 previous games.
Dolphins inactives, along with Armstead and Tagovailoa, included fellow tackle Kendall Lamm (ankle) and wide receiver/punt returner Cedrick Wilson (hip), both who entered doubtful.
Without Armstead and Lamm on Sunday and with Austin Jackson and Eric Fisher on injured reserve, the Dolphins are likely to start Greg Little at left tackle while keeping Brandon Shell at right tackle. Geron Christian, claimed off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs this week, is also active.
Outside linebacker Brennan Scarlett, who was elevated from the practice squad Saturday in case Chubb was unavailable was also scratched. Cornerback Noah Igbinoghene and tight end Tanner Connor were healthy inactives.
Honoring Hamlin
At Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, the 3s on each 30-yard line were highlighted in Buffalo Bills blue to honor Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who suffered cardiac arrest last Monday night in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals and collapsed on the field.
Pregame, players from both the Dolphins and Jets wore shirts that read “Love for Damar” with his No. 3 in the middle.
Hamlin, hospitalized since Monday night, has made progress this past week, regaining consciousness, able to breathe without a tube and communicate. He had a video call with Bills teammates late this week where he told them he loved them and flexed for the camera, uplifting the team’s spirits.
This story will be updated.
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