Dolphins Injury Report: Ryan Tannehill Will Miss First NFL Start, Fins Get Defensive Reinforcements In Week 15
The last time quarterback Matt Moore was asked to start an NFL game due to an injury to the team’s first-stringer, he would go on to be named the team’s Most Valuable Player. In 2016, the Miami Dolphins will hand the reins of their offense over to the former Oregon State Beaver in hopes that he can lead them into the NFL playoffs with three divisional games left on the schedule.
Luckily for Moore and the Dolphins, the first game will be the easiest of the three, as the Fins visit the (4-9) New York Jets in Week 15. Form there, things will certainly get dicey, as Adam Gase and his team will close out the 2016 NFL regular season at the (6-7) Buffalo Bills in week 16 and at home versus the (11-2) New England Patriots in the finale.
Ryan Tannehill will miss first game of NFL career
For the first time in his pro NFL career, quarterback Ryan Tannehill will see his name listed in an injury report accompanied by an “Out” label under the game status column. That’s because, arguably the most talked about knee in franchise history will cost Tannehill’s consecutive-game playing streak to come to an end.
Nevertheless, the Fins feel like they dodged a major bullet when it was announced that their former first-round pick did not tear any ligaments in his left knee. Instead, Tannehill was diagnosed with an ACL and MCL sprain.
Xavien Howard, Kiko Alonso and Jelani Jenkins set to return?
With Tannehill sidelined, the Dolphins will likely lean on their defense to get them into the postseason. The team could be getting some reinforcements back on the defensive side of the football as early as this week.
In Miami’s week 15 injury report, Kiko Alonso and Jelani Jenkins are both listed as questionable to play against the Jets Saturday night. Alonso, who leads the team in tackles and is tied for team-highs in interceptions, and Jenkins were both limited in practice this week.
As for Xavien Howard, the rookie cornerback did not have his name listed in this week’s injury report for the first time since mid-September. Howard participated in full for the first time after his second knee surgery earlier this year, which is an encouraging sign for Miami.
There’s a great chance that he could return to action this week against the Jets, but he will not be starting right away, because the Dolphins are satisfied with the effort put forth by Tony Lippett in his absence, Howard will likely play behind him in order to avoid rushing him back to soon.
Miami Dolphins (NFL Week 15) Injury Report & Game Statuses
Questionable:
- (S) Isa Abdul-Quddus (Neck) -- Full Participation in Practice
- (G) Anthony Steen (Foot) -- Full Participation in Practice
- (LB) Spencer Paysinger (Thigh) -- Full Participation in Practice
- (LB) Kiko Alonso (Hamstring) -- Limited Participation in Practice
- (CB) Bobby McCain (Hand) -- Full Participation in Practice
- (LB) Jelani Jenkins (Knee) -- Limited Participation in Practice
- (T) Branden Albert (Wrist) -- Full Participation in Practice
- (DE) Mario Williams (Ankle) -- Limited Participation in Practice
Out:
- (QB) Ryan Tannehill (Knee) -- Did Not Participate In Practice