In the Miami Dolphins' last practice before they kick off Week 1 of the 2023 NFL regular season, All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill again missing for a second consecutive day because of an excused absence.
Hill was one of six Dolphins players on the active roster not spotted during the portion open to the media, though the other five are dealing with documented injuries.
While there's no established connection, it's worth noting that head coach Mike McDaniel said Sunday that "nothing had come across his desk" as to whether Hill would be facing any kind of discipline from the NFL as a result of the offseason incident where he was captured on video slapping the back of an employee at a South Florida before having to be restrained from going at somebody.
Hill never was arrested or charged as a result of the incident, though a financial settlement was reached between the Dolphins star and the victim.
The Dolphins are off for the weekend until they return to work Monday.
ARMSTEAD, EICHENBERG STILL ABSENT
Along with Hill, those missing from practice Thursday were offensive linemen Terron Armstead and Liam Eichenberg, running back Salvon Ahmed, and defensive backs Justin Bethel and Campbell.
None of them practiced Wednesday, either.
McDaniel said before practice he expected Ahmed to work, but added that if it didn't happen on this day, Ahmed would be back Monday.
Armstead, who's dealing with a lower-leg injury, said on Good Morning Football on Wednesday that his goal remains to be ready for Week 1, the Dolphins' season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Rookie tight end Julian Hill, meanwhile, was at practice but working on the side.
NEW PRACTICE SQUAD PLAYERS?
Along with those on the active roster and the eight practice squad players announced Wednesday, the Dolphins had three additional players at practice, likely new practice squad players whose signings hadn't yet officially been announced.
One of them was rookie tackle James Tunstall, who spent training camp with the Dolphins this summer. The other two were a running back wearing number 37 and the third was a defensive back wearing 42, perhaps Bryce Thompson, who was among the players waived Tuesday.
The running back will be a newcomer considering the only one who didn't make the 53-man roster was Myles Gaskin, and he signed with the Minnesota Vikings (active roster) on Wednesday.
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