A pair of Dolphins offensive starters return to practice but one remains sidelined

The Dolphins held their second practice in Frankfurt, Germany, on Thursday, and saw a pair of starters return.

Running back Raheem Mostert and tight end Durham Smythe, who did not practice Wednesday because of ankle injuries, were back at practice and limited participants.

Mostert, who also missed practice last week Wednesday before returning, said his ankle ailment was a “little hiccup” but he’s feeling better after treatment.

Smythe, who was seen with a walking boot on his foot on Monday, also said he is feeling better after sitting out Wednesday’s practice.

“I’ll give it my all. It’s starting to progress, starting to feel better,” Smythe said.

Right guard Robert Hunt, though, did not practice for a second consecutive day, putting his availability for Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs in question. Hunt has been sidelined because of a hamstring injury he sustained against the New England Patriots in Week 8.

If Hunt cannot play, either Lester Cotton or Robert Jones would likely start in his place. Cotton was the starting left guard for the Patriots game but rotated with Jones. After Hunt was injured in the second quarter, Cotton remained at left guard, while Jones filled in at right guard.

“As we evaluate each game and all the options that are going to help us win, there’s maybe different variables, different things that would occur that we’re working through for various reasons,” offensive coordinator Frank Smith said Thursday of the left guard rotation. “When we put guys out, when we don’t, the consistency of positions, we kind of have thought about that during the week and what’s best for each guy. When it comes to all positions, whether it’s the o-line, wide receiver, running back, we’re always trying to make sure that we’re putting ourselves in the best position to get the result we want. We weigh all things during the week to make sure we have the right options on Sunday.”

Left tackle Terron Armstead, who was designated to return from injured reserve on Wednesday, practiced in a limited capacity for the second consecutive day. He is eligible to make his return from IR on Sunday.

The Dolphins added two players to the injury report: wide receiver Braxton Berrios (hamstring) and defensive back Justin Bethel (foot). Both were limited on Thursday after practicing fully on Wednesday, signaling they likely sustained the injuries during practice.

Cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey (knee), Xavien Howard (groin) and Nik Needham (Achilles); center Connor Williams (groin); and wide receiver River Cracraft (shoulder) were also limited for the second straight day. Fullback Alec Ingold (foot) and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (back) were full participants.

Safety Brandon Jones also did not practice, as he remains in Miami going through concussion protocol.