Dolphins face cornerback conundrum heading into Week 4 against Jets
The Miami Dolphins are grappling with an injury dilemma as they prepare for their Week 4 matchup against the New York Jets. The team’s final injury report reveals concerns primarily centered around the cornerback position.
Ethan Bonner’s Hamstring Issue
Cornerback Ethan Bonner has been listed as questionable due to a hamstring injury. Although he participated fully in a light practice on Saturday, Bonner’s injury history raises eyebrows. He missed the start of the regular season after sustaining a hamstring injury during a preseason game against the Detroit Lions. The uncertainty surrounding whether he has aggravated this previous injury complicates the Dolphins’ defensive plans.
The impact of Bonner’s potential absence is magnified by the fact that two other cornerbacks were ruled out on Saturday—Storm Duck, who is dealing with an ankle injury, and Jason Marshall Jr. This leaves the Dolphins with only four healthy cornerbacks on the active roster: Jack Jones, Rasul Douglas, Cornell Armstrong, and JuJu Brents. All four are expected to be active for the Monday night showdown against the Jets, but the Dolphins may need to elevate Isaiah Johnson from the practice squad for additional depth.
Strategic Decisions Ahead of the Game
With kicker Riley Patterson out of elevations, he will be signed to the 53-man roster before the game, ensuring the Dolphins are prepared for all contingencies. The team is fortunate that no other players carry a game status designation, including star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who missed practice on Saturday for personal reasons but is expected to play. Tight end Darren Waller, who was limited in practice, also does not have a game status designation, indicating he will make his much-anticipated Dolphins debut. Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu is set to return after missing the previous game due to a calf injury.
The Jets’ Roster Status
On the other side, the Jets have their own set of injury issues. Quarterback Justin Fields has been cleared from the injury report and will start against the Dolphins. However, the team has ruled out two players who did not practice all week: newcomer Jarvis Brownlee Jr. and edge defender Jermaine Johnson II, both of whom are nursing ankle injuries. Brownlee joined the Jets via a trade with the Tennessee Titans, adding to the intrigue surrounding his absence.
The only other noteworthy status for the Jets is backup running back Kene Nwangwu, who has been listed as doubtful due to a hamstring injury. Nwangwu’s lack of practice on Saturday, coupled with limited participation earlier in the week, casts further doubt on his availability.
As both teams navigate their injury concerns, the Monday night clash promises to be a pivotal moment in the season, particularly for a Dolphins defense that may need to dig deep to compensate for its cornerback challenges.
