The Dolphins expect at least one starting safety to return to the lineup

Dolphin protection DeShon Elliott is nearing completion of the NFL’s concussion protocol, and Jevon Holland has been working out on a restricted basis for several weeks.

The Miami Dolphins are expected to reintroduce one of its two starting safeties for Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.

DeShon Elliott is nearing the end of the NFL’s concussion protocol and will most likely be cleared by an independent neurologist before Sunday’s 4:25 p.m. kickoff if no setbacks occur.

Elliott, who has 60 tackles and one fumble recovery this season, had a concussion in Miami’s 28-27 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Dec. 11 and was out the following week.

While it hasn’t been ruled out, the chances of starting free safety Jevon Holland playing his first game in a month are remote.

Holland, a three-year starter who has been nursing MCL strains in both knees, has participated in practices on a limited basis, but not in position drills or team work done when the media is present.

Holland, who hasn’t played since Miami’s 33-14 win over the New York Jets on Nov. 24, will miss his fourth game if declared out, and head coach Mike McDaniel reiterated that the team is being extra cautious with Holland’s health.

A grade 1 (mild) MCL tear normally recovers in one to three weeks, according to the Cleveland Clinic’s medical guidance. A grade 2 (moderate) MCL injury usually heals in four to six weeks with treatment. With therapy, a grade 3 (severe) MCL tear can take six weeks or longer to heal.

Holland’s injury to both knees in a collision against the Jets may have contributed to his delayed return.

If he doesn’t play, Brandon Jones or Elijah Campbell will likely take his position in the secondary. Jones, who has started five games this season, had two interceptions as Holland’s replacement last week.

Xavien Howard, who missed last Sunday’s game due to a hip injury suffered against the Titans, is also slated to return to the secondary.

Howard took part in his second straight session, but his participation was limited.

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Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel tells the Media to ‘Eff off’ prior to Huge Week 16 Matchup

The Dolphins want to show that they are a legitimate NFL competitor, and they aren’t going to allow turmoil get in the way of that.

The Miami Dolphins and head coach Mike McDaniel are well aware of the strain they are under as the season comes to a close. Miami has had its fair share of criticism despite routinely being one of the better teams in the NFL during the season. While many coaches would advise their players not to face the media, McDaniel had to inject some of his own personality into the situation.

Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins expresses his feelings to the media.

The South Florida head coach has a reputation for breaking rules, but he has put the media on notice before of a huge Week 16 meeting with the Dallas Cowboys.

All jokes aside, McDaniel understands that the squad must be focused when facing the NFC’s number two club. Dallas has proved that it has an imposing offense led by MVP candidate Dak Prescott, but it also boasts a punishing defensive led by great pass rusher Micah Parsons.

Under Mike McDaniel’s supervision, Miami has been an offensive juggernaut this season, with standout wide receiver Tyreek Hill closing in on the offensive player of the year award. While the offense is hoping to break records, the defense has improved dramatically in the last month since the return of top CB Jalen Ramsey.

McDaniel is definitely following the typical tactic of urging his players to avoid providing the opposition team any ‘bulletin board material’ before important games. In a crucial matchup like this, no one needs to contribute any additional energy, and Miami will undoubtedly be focused.

McDaniel has done an excellent job of building up the Miami squad over the last two years, and the offense is faster than any other club in the NFL. Miami possesses the most explosive attack in the NFL, ranking first in total yards per game by more than 10 yards per game. Miami has a reputation for struggling against elite teams this season, so this will be a big statement game before the playoffs. In this game, expect Miami to come out swinging in order to prove to the NFL that they are a serious contender.