Dolphins’ McDaniel updates status of Hill, Ramsey, others. And Claypool’s thoughts

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said at midday Friday that safety Jevon Holland remains in concussion protocol and he’s unsure if cornerbacks Xavien Howard and Jalen Ramsey will play on Sunday at home against New England (1 p.m., CBS).

Of Howard and Ramsey’s availability for Sunday, McDaniel said he doesn’t have a “clue” whether either will play and that decision will be made after Friday’s practice and after consulting with both players following that practice.

“We would love to have them both,” McDaniel said. “I’m prepared for either scenario for both players. I find comfort in the fact both... won’t make any irresponsible decision.... Their desire to play, if they put themselves in harm’s way, [they know] what it can do to the team.”

4 p.m. FRIDAY UPDATE: Howard and Ramsey were listed as questionable on the final injury report. Also listed as questionable: Raheem Mostert, Connor Williams, Alec Ingold, River Cracraft, Jevon Holland, Nik Needham and Cam Smith. Mostert said Friday afternoon that he will play Sunday. Holland remains in concussion protocol.

Ramsey hasn’t played since knee surgery in August and remains on injured reserve. Howard missed last Sunday’s game with a groin injury but said he’s playing better.

McDaniel said Holland hasn’t yet been ruled out for Sunday.

▪ On other fronts, McDaniel said he expects star receiver Tyreek Hill to play Sunday. “He had a phenomenal practice” Thursday, McDaniel said. McDaniel missed Wednesday’s practice with a hip injury and practiced on a limited basis on Thursday.

▪ Meanwhile, McDaniel said center Connor Williams -- who has missed three of the past four games with a groin injury -- is positioned to play on Sunday.

“My gut tells me he’ll be active,” McDaniel said. “Not sure yet if he’s going to start.”

▪ At running back, Raheem Mostert (ankle) was able to practice Thursday. “I was very happy with the way he looked [Thursday],” McDaniel said.

Jeff Wilson Jr., who didn’t have a rushing attempt against Philadelphia in his season debut, seems positioned to get carries on Sunday.

“We were planning on getting Jeff some touches last week,” McDaniel said. “We always get frustrated when the game goes a certain direction. I have a heightened desire to get him some touches this week but we will let the game play out and let the players on the field decide how many touches there [receive] by their performance.”

Fullback Alec Ingold hasn’t played as much offense recently as he has dealt with a foot injury; he also has a key role on special teams.

“We want to make sure we don’t run him into the ground,” McDaniel said.

▪ The Dolphins will need to clear a spot on the 53-man roster for Ramsey when he’s activated off IR.

Cornerback Cam Smith left Wednesday’s practice with a foot injury. Is injured reserve a possibility for Smith? McDaniel said the team is “not totally thinking that. [But] not saying it’s off the table.”

▪ With Isaiah Wynn out indefinitely at left guard, Lester Cotton played with the first group on Wednesday, left tackle Kendall Lamm mentioned this week. Rob Jones and Liam Eichenberg also are left guard options. Eichenberg has been filling in for Williams at center.

“I love Lester Cotton’s reps” this week, McDaniel said. “It’s hard to keep Rob Jones off the field. He’s an ascending player. We might try to find a way to get him on the field at some point. I love how Liam evolves every game and gets better at certain thing. He has the ability to play guard.”

▪ At safety, Brandon Jones will start opposite DeShon Elliott, provided Holland misses the game. Holland was no longer wearing a red non-contact jersey at practice on Friday; he appears in the later stages of concussion protocol.

“He had such a physical mountain to climb and did that in such a diligent great way,” McDaniel said of Jones, who has gone from 2021/2022 starter to playing limited snaps in the wake of last October’s season-ending ACL injury.

“It’s a system change for him; that position is all about how convicted you can play. You have a lot of space. You have to stop the run from deep and be able to protect a lot of space. That’s a process. He continues to get more comfortable. He cares so much and wants everything so bad. I’m happy with where he’s at.”

CLAYPOOL’S THOUGHTS

In his first two full weeks as a Dolphin, receiver Chase Claypool was inactive against Carolina and played four offensive snaps against Philadelphia. Claypool, who was traded by the Bears after complaining about how coaches were using him, said he’s accepting of any role he’s given here. He says he never asks if he will get more playing time.

“I let them decide,” he said. “This is a team and offense where I’m not going to go from five snaps to 25. It’s going to be a slow progression and I’ve got to earn my keep. I’m cool with that. I’m excited for the opportunity. I just have fun playing football. I feel really good, like I’m having fun, executing the plays I’m in.”

Is there an offensive package for him?

“There’s definitely some stuff in there for me but we were down a little bit [against the Eagles],” he said. “Some of the packages were specific to how we wanted the flow of the game to go. I’m not too worried about how it went. I had a chance to put on the helmet and contribute any way I could. Truly excited about the opportunity.”

He said he’s remembering plays in this offense by using “CUE cards, index cards. I ask a lot of questions with [receivers coach Wes Welker]. I talk to him when doing the walk-through. Mental reps are good but we do a lot of walk throughs. I make sure I’m good on everything.”

Against Philadelphia, Claypool had a very good block on a Raheem Mostert run.

“You have to be in the trenches here and there,” he said. “Do some grimy work. There are certain guys that like that, certain guys that don’t. I like that. It’s cool. Any way I can help spring Raheem on a run, that’s cool for me.”

What has Claypool learned about Tua Tagovailoa? “He’s a great guy, like a stress-free quarterback. If he messes up, he’s not beating himself up. If somebody else messes up, he’s not getting on them. That makes it easier mentally. He’s real laid back.”