Dolphins linebacker Anthony Walker Jr.’s hamstring injury and cornerback Kendall Fuller’s concussion very likely will keep them sidelined for Thursday’s game at Green Bay (8:20 p.m., NBC).
Fuller will miss a third consecutive game while in concussion protocol. The Dolphins don’t typically say what phase of concussion protocol a player is in. The Dolphins used Storm Duck primarily as the third cornerback the past two games, behind Jalen Ramsey and Kader Kohou.
Walker sustained a strained hamstring on Sunday against New England but did not tear the hamstring and probably will not be out long-term, Mike McDaniel said Monday. But he likely won’t be able to play Thursday.
Tyrel Dodson is expected to start alongside Jordyn Brooks at inside linebacker on Thursday. Dodson had an interception and played well against New England after Walker’s injury.
“I can’t say enough about what he’s been doing since he’s been here,” McDaniel said of Dodson. “To be ready for a moment like that sooner rather than later” was impressive.
Meanwhile, left tackle Terron Armstead emerged fine from Sunday’s game, McDaniel indicated. He has been playing through a knee injury and hasn’t practiced at all the past two weeks.
McDaniel addressed other issues on Monday:
▪ Fullback Alec Ingold played only nine offensive snaps in Sunday’s win against the Patriots after missing two games with a calf injury. Asked if he was on a snap count, McDaniel said: “The way the game progressed provided me the opportunity not to play with fire.”
▪ Backup quarterback Skylar Thompson was yanked after playing only two snaps on Sunday, including a fumbled exchange with Jaylen Wright that was returned by the Patriots for a touchdown. Tua Tagovailoa then returned to the game. So does McDaniel trust Thompson?
McDaniel said he does but added: “The situation this past game was unacceptable from the whole unit. That’s not to our standard, from the way we came to the huddle to the execution of plays to giving up points on the offensive play. Ultimately, that falls on everyone involved, including the coaches.”
Asked if the Dolphins are interested in impending free agent quarterback Daniel Jones, McDaniel said he’s a “talented” player but didn’t answer directly.
▪ Asked if McDaniel or general manager Chris Grier has final say on the 53-man roster, McDaniel said they typically reach a consensus but said Grier “is the man.”
▪ The Dolphins’ run game hasn’t been as effective the past two weeks, and McDaniel cited the Patriots’ defense as one reason for Sunday’s performance, when Miami ran 24 times for 65 yards (2.7 per carry).
He also said: “We’re more adept at doing a variety of things, so when the matchups make sense, you can replace a couple runs with an aggressive quick [passing] game.. but get the ball out quick.”