The Miami Dolphins are getting closer to adding a familiar piece to their secondary, but Darrell Baker Jr. probably won’t be on the field Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.
Baker has spent the season on the PUP list because of a knee injury, and he finally got back onto the practice field Wednesday. Even so, Miami head coach Hafley said the cornerback is still more likely to be a help later on than immediately in Week 10.
“Baker’s done a good job,” Hafley said. “I’m not sure we’ll see him this week, but I would see him helping us down the road.
So yeah, he’s done a really good job. You forget, he’s played, he’s a smart player, he’s very mature and he’s constantly trying to learn, picking our brains, talking, and he has stayed really locked in.
I really love the way he’s approached it. And I will be excited for when he does get his opportunity.”
Miami has leaned on a young group in the back end this season, with JuJu Brents the only starter on the unit who has been in the league for more than two seasons. Baker’s return to practice at least gives the Dolphins another option soon, though his 21-day window means he’ll need to be activated before he’s forced to sit out the rest of the year.
There’s a real chance his first game action comes in Week 11 against the Buffalo Bills or Week 12 against the New York Jets.
Baker, 28, spent two seasons with the Colts and two more with the Tennessee Titans after beginning his career with the Arizona Cardinals as a rookie. Across five seasons, he has played in 51 games and made 25 starts, with 130 tackles, 19 passes defensed and one fumble recovery.
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