The Miami Dolphins are heading into their first preseason game on Friday with several injury situations still hanging over the roster, and head coach Jeff Hafley laid out the latest update after the team opened practice in Miami Gardens on Monday morning.
Zane Gonzalez is expected to be week-to-week, while JuJu Brents is likely to miss this week of work. Hafley said Brents’ issue does not appear to be a long-term concern, but he still expects him to stay out for now.
“I would say Zane [Gonzalez - kicker] will be week-to-week. JuJu [Brents], I don’t think JuJu will practice this week, but I don’t think it’s going to be anything long term. But if I wanted to play it cautious, I would say that JuJu will be out this week.”
Hafley also said Clelin Ferrell is set to miss a few weeks and will not be on the field Monday. Kevin Coleman is not expected back this week, either.
Ben Sims is getting closer, though Hafley doesn’t believe he’ll practice this week. Dante Trader is in the same boat.
“[Clelin Ferrell] will be [out] a few weeks. Yeah, he will not be practicing today.
He’ll be a few weeks… For [Kevin] Coleman, I don’t expect him this week. [Ben] Sims [is] getting close.
I don’t think he’ll practice this week… Dante [Trader], I don’t think will practice this week either. They’re getting close.
Hopefully next week.”
For a young roster still sorting itself out, the injuries are hardly ideal. At the same time, they create openings for younger players to get meaningful reps and make their case before the team trims the roster at the end of the month.
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