Miami Dolphin Jeff Hafley Gives Monday Injury Update

In his Monday press conference, Miami Dolphins Head Coach Jeff Hafley offered injury updates for his team. The biggest news is that the Dolphins could regain rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas for Sunday’s game at the New York Jets, but Jeff Hafley said several players will be eased back into work as the team exits its bye week.

Douglas, who has been sidelined by an ankle injury, was expected to be limited during Monday’s light practice. Hafley said the Dolphins would evaluate how Douglas responds before increasing his workload Wednesday, when Miami returns to a normal practice schedule.

“I think there’s optimism there,” Hafley said. “We’ve missed him, and to see a rookie kind of have to stop and start like that, not ideal. But he’s worked really hard, and it would be great to get him back.”

Willis Weapon Return

Douglas’ possible return would give quarterback Malik Willis another target in a passing game that has produced 849 yards and two touchdowns through five games. Douglas’ size and ability to play on the perimeter could also help an offense that has leaned heavily on Malik Washington and its rushing attack.

Willis was rested during the Dolphins’ bye-week practice after dealing with soreness following the Cincinnati game. Hafley said the quarterback should return to normal work.

“I foresee him being good to go today and back to normal,” Hafley said.

Cornerback JuJu Brents also was expected to be limited Monday after leaving the Cincinnati game with a stinger. Hafley said the goal is to have Brents ready for Wednesday. Guard Jonah Savaiinaea will be limited as he continues to deal with an ankle injury.

Running back Jaylen Wright remains another player to watch. Hafley said Wright aggravated an existing issue against Cincinnati, although he stopped short of calling it a significant setback.

“We’ll see how he is on Wednesday,” Hafley said. “I don’t think he had a setback. He just aggravated it a little bit.”

Miami also is evaluating whether linebacker Kyle Louis can return. Hafley said the Dolphins hope to get Louis back on the field Wednesday before deciding whether he is ready to be activated.

There will be no return this week for linebacker Trey Moore, Hafley said. Cornerback Darrell Baker Jr., however, is getting close to becoming available.

Running Back Room

The Dolphins added rookie running back Kaytron Allen after he became available. Hafley said Miami’s staff remembered Allen from the draft process and saw him in person during joint practices with Washington.

“Physical,” Hafley said when asked what stood out about Allen. “Had a really successful career at Penn State, ran for a ton of yards, had a lot of success there.”

Allen joins Ollie Gordon II and Wright in a backfield that has become one of Miami’s few reliable offensive strengths. Gordon leads the Dolphins with 236 rushing yards and three touchdowns while Wright has continued to handle return duties when healthy.

For Douglas, the return would restart a rookie season interrupted before he could establish a consistent role. Hafley said the time away may help him process what he learned early, but acknowledged that football conditioning and timing must be rebuilt.

“He hasn’t played football in a while, so he’s going to need to get back and get the rust off and get back into the rhythm of playing,” Hafley said. “Hopefully it doesn’t take too much time.”

Miami will have three full practices to determine whether Douglas and the other limited players can contribute at MetLife Stadium. For a team searching for its first victory, every healthy return matters.