Dolphins’ McDaniel offers updates on status of Mostert, Beckham, Armstead, Fuller, others

Coach Mike McDaniel said he’s “fairly optimistic” that left tackle Terron Armstead and cornerback Kendall Fuller will clear concussion protocol and play on Sunday in New England (1 p.m., Fox). Both missed the Monday night loss to Tennessee.

McDaniel also expressed optimism about running back Raheem Mostert playing on Sunday. Whether receiver Odell Beckham Jr. plays Sunday is less clear.

McDaniel suggested the team was still deciding whether to active Beckham off the physically unable to perform list before Sunday’s game or waiting until after the bye week to activate him; Miami’s first game after the bye is Oct. 20 at Indianapolis. McDaniel said if Beckham plays Sunday, it would be with a moderate snap count.

Safety Jevon Holland said Beckham looked very good in practice on Thursday, in his first practice with the team since players convened for training camp in late July. Beckham said Thursday that he underwent a minor knee operation during the offseason.

“It was exciting to see him operate inside the offense,” McDaniel said of Beckham. “He did a good job. He looked good. I try to temper my excitement, see how he looks and feels [Friday] and be responsible for the team.”

Mostert, meanwhile, hasn’t played since sustaining a chest injury in the first half of the opener. He has practiced on a limited basis for two weeks.

McDaniel said Mostert is “in a similar boat with Odell. If no setbacks occur [Friday], there’s a strong chance we would be able to see him,” McDaniel said. “He’s been seething to try to get back on the field. I am going to modify how much he plays in general” if he plays Sunday.

“He’ll be involved [Sunday] if all things go [well today],” McDaniel said.

McDaniel said he’s “not optimistic” about safety Jordan Poyer playing Sunday. Poyer, who hasn’t practiced this week, sustained a shin injury on the Monday night play that caused Jaelan Phillips to sustain a partially torn ACL. Marcus Maye could start alongside Holland in New England.

Receiver Braxton Berrios, the team’s primary returner, has been limited in practice with an ankle injury this week, but McDaniel said he expects him to play.

McDaniel addressed other issues:

▪ Why haven’t the Dolphins made more use of tight end Jonnu Smith, who has nine receptions and no rushing attempts this season?

“We’ve had some things up and other new things for him,” McDaniel said. “We haven’t got to those plays.”

▪ McDaniel said veteran edge rusher Tyus Bowser, who signed with the team on Thursday, played a similar system in Baltimore “and that makes the learning curve a little shorter.” Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver was involved in coaching Bowser in Baltimore.