MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins are still debating whether to activate running back Jeff Wilson Jr. off injured reserve ahead of Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers, coach Mike McDaniel said Friday.
The Dolphins are now without rookie sensation De’Von Achane in the backfield after he landed on IR this week due to a knee injury suffered in last Sunday’s win over the New York Giants.
In the aftermath, Wilson returned to practice from injuries to a finger and his ribs this week. The ailments stem back to the preseason and caused him to miss the first five weeks of the regular season.
“He’s certainly prepared himself adequately,” McDaniel said Friday afternoon before the team’s drills.
Bringing Wilson back would mean a return for the tailback the Dolphins had slated to be their No. 2 behind Raheem Mostert before the season and Achane’s emergence beginning Week 3 against the Denver Broncos.
Miami also has available running backs in veteran Salvon Ahmed and undrafted rookie Chris Brooks.
The decision is still in the balance because McDaniel may want to use the final active roster spot that’s available from Achane’s placement on IR on one of two other players seeking to return in cornerback Nik Needham (Achilles) or offensive lineman Robert Jones (knee).
The Dolphins, already with left tackle Terron Armstead on injured reserve, are monitoring two other injuries to starting offensive linemen.
Fortunately for the team, the knee injury that popped up on the Thursday injury report for Robert Hunt doesn’t appear serious. McDaniel said he will return to Friday practice and is “good to go” for Sunday.
Regarding center Connor Williams, who is being held out of a third consecutive practice this week, McDaniel pointed to residual effects of playing through a groin injury against the Giants. The team is still hopeful he can play against the Giants.
Dolphins outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips also has his status in question for Sunday’s home game against Carolina.
This story will be updated.
