MADRID — Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa may soon have his top blind-side protector back.
Dolphins right tackle Austin Jackson is returning to practice for the first time in two months as the team opens the week of preparation for the Washington Commanders in Spain. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel revealed the news ahead of the Wednesday practice at Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano, home of Spanish soccer club Atletico Madrid.
Jackson had been on injured reserve with an ailing toe since he first hurt it in Miami’s season-opening loss to the Indianapolis Colts in early September.
It’s unknown if Jackson can progress to the point of being activated off IR ahead of Sunday’s game at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. He has a 21-day practice window to get drill work without taking up a roster spot.
McDaniel was coy when he last spoke in Miami Gardens on Monday about whether a player on a reserve list could have a practice window opened.
“I’ll have a firm answer on Wednesday,” he said then. “Right now, between the logistics of coaching through the film from (Monday) morning and then traveling to another country, I don’t really have an exact picture. We’re all traveling, and there’s a chance that somebody does, but we’ll see if that someone does.”
Jackson was a first-round pick of the Dolphins in 2020, the same draft — and round — when the team selected Tagovailoa. As the right tackle, he protects the blind side of the left-handed-throwing passer.
Larry Borom has filled in to start at the position in the nine games since Jackson went down.
While Jackson returns to practice, Miami is still holding off on bringing right guard James Daniels, who injured a pectoral muscle three snaps into the same game against the Colts to start the season.
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Other injury updates
The Dolphins are hopeful outside linebacker Chop Robinson clears concussion protocol early in the week after he was close to playing last Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.
“All things point to a full clearance,” McDaniel said Wednesday.
Cornerback Rasul Douglas is working his way back from foot and ankle ailments after missing Sunday’s game against the Bills.
“We feel positive about him,” said McDaniel, adding Douglas wouldn’t practice Wednesday.
Center Aaron Brewer is also bound to miss practice, according to McDaniel.
This story will be updated.
