Two Dolphins coaches return after missing games due to COVID-19 protocols; Kyle Van Noy misses practice due to injury
The Miami Dolphins' COVID-19 situation appears to be improving with the return of two assistant coaches to practice.
Dolphins quarterback coach Robby Brown and defensive line coach Marion Hobby were seen during the open portion of practice Wednesday as Miami (6-3) began its preparations for a road game against the Denver Broncos (3-6) on Sunday.
Second-year defensive tackle Christian Wilkins was absent Wednesday and remains on the NFL’s reserve/COVID-19 list after he missed the first game of his career last Sunday. Practice squad receiver Matt Cole, a rookie who has not played this season, is also still on the list.
Brown and Hobby were among four coaches who missed the past two Dolphins games due to COVID-19 protocols. Outside linebackers coach Austin Clark and offensive quality control coach Kolby Smith also missed Miami’s wins over the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Chargers.
Defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander missed Miami’s win at Arizona, but returned to practice last week and was on the sidelines for the last Sunday’s Chargers game.
Flores did not wish to comment further on the status of his players. He also appeared strongly against the potential to form a bubble environment for his coaches, like what the Dallas Cowboys have done for members of the organization this week.
“Look, if I wasn’t able to see my family, my wife or my kids, I’m not going to be as good of a coach. Period,” Flores said Wednesday morning.
Due to the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, teams cannot require players stay at a hotel during the regular season. But coaches and other staff members are not subject to such regulations.
The Cowboys are having staff members who are in direct contact with players stay at a hotel near their facility in hopes to curb any risk after a Pittsburgh Steelers player tested positive after facing Dallas before the Cowboys' bye week.
Wilkins and Cole were among four players who were placed on the NFL’s reserve/COVID-19 list in the past two weeks.
Rookie receiver Lynn Bowden Jr. was on the list for five days, missing the Arizona game. He was also inactive for the Chargers game.
Outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy was on the list for four days, and able to play in the Chargers game, as negative testing and contact tracing led to his availability.
“Again, we’re just following the protocols for all players from a COVID standpoint. I’m not going to go into anyone’s medical situation,” Flores said of his players.
Practice notes
Van Noy, who sustained a hip injury during the Chargers game, was not seen working with teammates when practice began on Wednesday.
“Van Noy got dinged up in the game. He’s received treatment and just taking it one day at a time, trying to rehab and get back as quickly as he can,” Flores said before practice.
Dolphins running back Matt Breida, who missed the past two games with a hamstring injury, was seen at practice. He was a limited participant in practice last week.
“Breida has been out the last couple of weeks but he’s been working to get back,” Flores said. "He’s been practicing and hopefully he can continue to improve. I know he’s working hard and wants to be out there.
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