Dolphins’ WR1 Still Sidelined as Caleb Douglas Misses Practice

Arguably the Miami Dolphins’ best wide receiver still hasn’t returned to practice.

Caleb Douglas still isn’t ready to start practicing as the team prepares to face the Minnesota Vikings this weekend, according to coach Jeff Hafley.

Douglas missed Sunday’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs because of an ankle injury he suffered Sept. 20 against the San Francisco 49ers.

“We’ll take it one day at a time with him and see how he feels,” Hafley said Wednesday.

Miami is also without Achane for the rest of the season

Miami’s offense is already compromised after losing star running back De’Von Achane for the rest of the season after he tore his ACL against the Chiefs. Now, the Dolphins have lost not only a dynamic running back in Achane, but he was also their leading receiver from last season.

Without Douglas against Kansas City, fellow rookie Chris Bell saw his targets increase. After receiving just three targets in his first two games, Bell got seven targets from quarterback Malik Willis against the Chiefs and finished with four receptions for 67 yards.

Wide receiver Malik Washington (five catches for 56 yards) and tight end Greg Dulcich (five catches for 55 yards) also contributed and will likely need to continue producing if Douglas misses a second straight game.

In addition to Achane, the Dolphins’ backup running back, Jaylen Wright, is also dealing with a foot and stinger injury. He was inactive against the Chiefs after missing last Friday’s practice.

With Achane out for the final 14 games of the season, the Dolphins will rely on Wright and Ollie Gordon II to pick up the lost production. Gordon finished with 41 yards on 17 carries against the Chiefs.

The Dolphins have yet to sign a third running back to compete with Gordon and Wright for carries. The Dolphins’ practice squad options include Carlos Washington Jr. and Jarquez Hunter.

“We’ll take a look at both and then, obviously, have to make a decision and call one up and see who gives us the third back,” Hafley said.