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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BREAKING: Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill may not play against the Cowboys; troubling video emerges Friday

According to the Friday injury report, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill may not play against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16. A video that surfaced Friday afternoon explains why Hill may be unavailable for the second week in a row.

Hill is recovering from an ankle injury suffered against the Tennessee Titans in Week 14. Last week, the Dolphins gave Hill the option of playing against the New York Jets.

Head coach Mike McDaniel wanted Hill to take caution not to make the injury worse, as the Dolphins have the playoffs coming up next month. However, McDaniel and Hill know he has a chance to win NFL MVP if he can continue to pad his stats in the last month of the season.

The Miami Dolphins might be without Hill in Week 16

Hill elected to sit out against the Jets in order to be a good teammate. Hill did not practice on Wednesday this week but did participate in limited session on Thursday and Friday. Hill was labeled as questionable for the Dolphins’ game against the Cowboys on Friday’s injury report, so he may not play again this week.

Hill made the decision not to play the Jets roughly an hour before kickoff. Hill attempted to move but was hesitant to push his ankle. Hill may face the same issue this weekend, according to a video from FinsXtra on X.

The Dolphins lead the AFC East by two games over the second-place Buffalo Bills, and their postseason position does not look to be dependent on Hill’s performance this weekend. However, if Hill misses Week 16, his chances of earning MVP plummet.

Will Hill and the Dolphins chose to be patient in the long run once more?