Mounting injuries to key players could hinder Dolphins’ final push for playoffs
The Miami Dolphins, whose resiliency continues to shine as they battle injuries, still have a relatively good chance of making the playoffs during the 2020 NFL season despite their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
But the Dolphins can go only as far as their players take them, with several key contributors dealing with injuries that may affect their availability in the final three games of the regular season.
Dolphins coach Brian Flores was coy on the health status of several players, including tight end Mike Gesicki (shoulder), receiver DeVante Parker (leg), receiver/return specialist Jakeem Grant (hamstring) and safety Bobby McCain (ankle) — who all left Sunday’s 33-27 loss early.
“I think it’s too early to tell. We’re still going through the evaluation process with our medical staff,” Flores said Monday when asked specifically about Gesicki.
“I think it’s too early to tell with Mike and some of the other guys that got banged up.”
Gesicki, the team’s touchdown leader, sustained a right shoulder injury that could affect his availability for the final three games and if the Dolphins reach the playoffs.
Grant’s hamstring is considered week-to-week, according to the NFL Network, which could mean he may miss this Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots.
As for Parker, who left the Chiefs game in the second quarter, he may have the best chance to return to the lineup depending on his performance in practice this week.
McCain could also have a chance depending on the severity of his ankle injury.
The Dolphins (8-5) could use a Cleveland Browns win over the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football, and at least two wins, including one against the visiting Patriots (6-7) next Sunday, to be in the best position for a playoff berth.
“This is a division opponent. We know them. They know us. As far as the personal relationships, there’s that as well. But this is the Dolphins versus the Patriots,” Flores said.
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“Every division game is a big game. We know this team. They are tough, well coached, competitive. They will be ready to go. ... They will give us their best shot. They will try to apply pressure in all three phases.”
Gesicki, who is fourth among all NFL tight ends in receiving this season, sustained the injury during the fourth quarter after he was tackled by Chiefs safety Daniel Sorensen.
Gesicki tried to break his fall with his right arm before he was taken to the ground near the Chiefs’ sideline, where he immediately began writhing in pain and Chiefs personnel signaled to the Dolphins sidelined for medical attention.
As Gesicki walked off the Hard Rock Stadium field, a trainer walked alongside him keeping his right arm in place.
Gesicki, a 2018 second-round pick by the Dolphins, has 44 catches for 602 yards and six touchdowns this season.
His totals trail Kansas City’s Travis Kelce (90 catches, 1,250 yards, nine touchdowns), Las Vegas’ Darren Waller (84, 817, 7 TDs) and Detroit’s T.J. Hockenson (56, 657, 6 TDs) at the tight end position in 2020.
While Gesicki’s six touchdowns lead all Dolphins players, in receptions he only trails Parker, who has 56 catches for 677 yards with four touchdowns.
Parker was seen on the sideline trying to test his injury before he left to enter the locker room shortly before halftime.
While he joined his team on the sideline in the second half, he did not return to the game.
Grant, who became elevated as the Dolphins’ No. 2 receiver on the depth chart after Preston Williams’ foot injury, also left the Chiefs game due to injury. Grant was replaced by Antonio Callaway as the Dolphins’ punt returner.
Flores has also been mum previously on the potential for Williams to return after sustaining the foot injury at Arizona on Nov. 8.
McCain left the Chiefs game twice with both instances turning into a Kansas City touchdown.
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During his first exit to be evaluated for a concussion, Tyreek Hill scored on a 32-yard run in the second quarter. Early in the third quarter, Mahomes found Hill for a 44-yard touchdown pass as soon as McCain left with his ankle injury.
Some other sidelined players for the Dolphins to worry about include their trio of running backs with leading rusher Myles Gaskin and veteran Matt Breida on the reserve/COVID-19 list, while rookie Salvon Ahmed is dealing with a shoulder injury.
The Dolphins also played the Chiefs without three starters: Linebacker Kyle Van Noy (hip), linebacker Elandon Roberts (chest) and left guard Ereck Flowers (ankle).
The Dolphins’ playoff odds increase significantly from 33 percent if the Browns are able to beat the Ravens Monday night, and Miami beats New England and the Las Vegas Raiders on Dec. 26.
The Dolphins’ season ends on Jan. 3 against the Buffalo Bills, who hold a two-game lead in the AFC East over Miami and can clinch their first division crown since 1995 this season.
If Miami reaches the playoffs, it would be the first time since 2016, and second time since 2008.
