Miami Dolphins rookie receiver Caleb Douglas is set to play Sunday against the New York Jets after missing the past three games with a right ankle injury. Douglas returned to practice this week as a limited participant, having been sidelined since Sept. 20, when he left in the second half of a 35-13 loss at San Francisco.
"Getting back out there, it felt good," Douglas said after returning Wednesday. "Just being able to run again and being able to move."
Douglas got off to a strong start in the first two games of the season, catching seven passes for 113 yards, still the third-most on the team. His return could be a boost for a Dolphins passing game that has struggled. Miami is averaging 153.6 passing yards per game, the second-lowest mark in the league. The Dolphins are also averaging just 14 points per game despite having the ninth-best rushing offense in the NFL.
Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley has been cautious in his expectations for Douglas' return, especially since the rookie has missed valuable reps in recent weeks. Hafley noted that mental reps don't always translate immediately to the field for a player who has been sidelined. "There are some guys that can learn by watching; there are some people that actually have to learn by doing," Hafley said. "Ultimately, the more you can actually do it, the timing, the rhythm, getting comfortable back with the quarterback." He added that Douglas has stayed mentally sharp and efficient in practice, but noted he is a rookie who hasn't played much football.
Running back Jaylen Wright is also expected to play Sunday after being limited this week with a foot injury.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing