Xavien Howard returns to Thursday practice for the Dolphins, but Terron Armstead not yet seen – Reading Eagle

Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard returned to practice Thursday, while left tackle Teron Armstead was still missing during the media viewing portion of the drill.

Both were absent from practice on Wednesday. Howard has a groin injury and Armstead is still grappling with the toe ailment he played in Sunday’s 42-38 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

The two veterans, with six Pro Bowls between them, are set to host the Buffalo Bills (2-0) in a divisional match at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, so the Dolphins (2-0) is extremely important for

Dolphins cornerback coach Sam Maddison said before Thursday’s practice that he wasn’t worried about Howard’s availability for Sunday’s game against the Bills.

“If you look around the league, there are veteran maintenance days all over the league,” Maddison said of Wednesday’s All-Pro absence. “He’s a pro. He’s been through this before and I’m looking forward to him [being] 100 percent. “

Howard will be key in Miami’s effort to keep Bills star receiver Stefon Diggs on Sunday.

Madison spoke with Howard about what he called “a lazy play when it comes to technique” during a 75-yard touchdown awarded to Ravens receiver Rashod Bateman in Baltimore last Sunday.

“Then he went into the game with confidence and played really well towards the end of the game,” Maddison said, teasing Howard about dropping the pick 6 that could have tied the game. added.

Dolphins offensive line coach Matt Applebaum said Thursday that he wasn’t surprised that Armstead played through a toe injury in Baltimore, but the Dolphins’ valuable free agent acquisition on the offensive line is a two-year deal. Missed practice for days in a row. Last week, he attended Thursday’s session on a limited basis before playing.

“I was sure he could play,” Applebaum said. “I mean, you’re talking about pro pros. Guy has been doing it for a long time, knows his body, and is ready to play on Sunday, so what from what week?” I know what I have to do.

The Dolphins also remained without tight ends Seathan Carter (concussion protocol) and Hunter Long (ankle) in Thursday’s drill. He was still wearing the red non-contact jersey on the practice field.

Invoice update

Buffalo is dealing with a list of serious injuries on its own.

Bills coach Sean McDermott told Buffalo reporters on Thursday that safety Micah Hyde (neck) and Jordan Poyer (foot), cornerback Dane Jackson (neck) and defensive tackle Jordan Phillips. (hamstrings) all said they were absent from Thursday’s practice.

Poyer sits down after a limited participation in Wednesday’s drill. Her three others also missed Wednesday’s practice. Wide receiver Gabe Davis (ankle) will have to watch his injury status as he was restricted Wednesday.

More injury updates will be revealed in the team’s 4pm injury report.

Dolphins HOF Candidates

The NFL this week announced 129 contemporary contenders for the 2023 class of Hall of Famers, including Dolphins wide receiver coach Wes Welker.

“It’s definitely an honor to be inducted into the Hall of Fame,” Welker said. “Let’s see how it goes. Focus on the buffalo this week and let nature take care of everything else.”

Welker had success with the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos, but made his first appearance with the Dolphins in his first three NFL seasons from 2004-2006.

Other Dolphins players expected to be nominated include linebacker Zach Thomas and offensive tackle Richmond Webb. Thomas was a previous finalist.

The 2023 class of Hall of Famers will be revealed in the NFL Honors ahead of the Super Bowl and will be officially inducted in August 2023.

This story will be updated.

()