Two of Dolphins’ concussed players return to practice

The Miami Dolphins appear to be close to regaining the services of the team’s starting left tackle and boundary cornerback.

Terron Armstead and Kendall Fuller, who each suffered a concussion two weeks ago in Miami’s 24-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, participated in Thursday’s practice, which means they are in the final stages of the NFL’s concussion protocol.

If they don’t suffer from any lingering effects of their concussion in the coming days they will likely be cleared to play in Sunday’s road game against the New England Patriots and regain their starting roles.

Last week Armstead was replaced by Patrick Paul, the Dolphins’ 2024 second-round pick, and Storm Duck replaced Fuller in Miami’s 31-12 loss to the Tennessee Titans.

Paul had a decent showing as Armstead’s replacement, but did allow a sack in his first NFL start.

Cornerback Cam Smith, who spent the first four games on injured reserve, is participating in his first week of practice since returning from the hamstring injury, so it’s possible that Miami’s 2023 second-round pick could also replace Fuller if he’s not cleared to play.

Maye set to become starter?

Jordan Poyer was spotted with a sleeve on his left shin inside the locker room on Wednesday and has missed the past two practice sessions because of the injury he sustained in Monday night’s game.

Maye, who had started 77 straight games in his previous seven seasons before joining the Dolphins, would be his replacement if Poyer isn’t cleared to play.

Maye has played 56 defensive snaps the previous four games and has contributed nine tackles.

The only other options as the safety paired with Jevon Holland would be Elijah Campbell. It’s possible Miami could elevate Jordan Colbert and Nik Needham up from the practice squad.

Injury Update

Rookie receiver Malik Washington, who has been nursing a quadriceps injury since the start of the regular season, worked on the side during the portion of the practices the media watched.

Inside linebacker David Long Jr., who missed last week’s game because of a hamstring injury he suffered against Seattle, participated on a limited basis.

Quarterback Skylar Thompson continues working, but sparingly throws passes, which is a clear indication that his broken ribs have not healed. That means Tim Boyle will likely remain Tyler “Snoop” Huntley’s backup for Sunday’s game.

Receiver Braxton Berrios continues to have his participation limited because of an ankle injury he’s nursing.