MIAMI GARDENS — Two weeks have passed since Miami Dolphins second-year cornerback Storm Duck suffered his ankle injury, but the upcoming Monday night game against the New York Jets doesn’t seem to mark his return.
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel deemed Duck unlikely to suit up for “Monday Night Football” next week.
“I think he’s progressing,” McDaniel said. “I don’t have my hopes up for this next game. It’s a little early, but soon after that, I’m hoping. I can almost rule him out this week, just because of the timing.”
Duck rose to starter status after making the team as an undrafted rookie last season. But in the first half Sept. 7 against the Indianapolis Colts, he hurt his ankle while making a tackle and having other players’ body weight fall on his leg.
Starting opposite Jack Jones since Duck’s injury has been Rasul Douglas. It figures to remain the starting boundary tandem.
Separately, Dolphins reserve offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg is not approaching a return to the field yet.
“What he’s dealing with is of the chronic nature,” McDaniel said. “That’s going to take more time.”
Eichenberg has been on the physically-unable-to-perform list since the start of training camp with his undisclosed ailment. Starting the season on the PUP list, he would’ve been eligible to return after four games, but that doesn’t appear to be in the realm of possibility.
Patterson decision
The Dolphins have to bridge the gap to starting kicker Jason Sanders’ availability from his preseason hip injury, and they’ll stick with Riley Patterson in order to do so.
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Miami used the three elevations from the practice squad it had for Patterson over the first three games. Left with the decision to either sign him to the active roster or find another kicker while Sanders is out, the team will make room for Patterson, McDaniel said.
The Dolphins would have to create a roster spot for Patterson. Sanders is first eligible to return after the first four games, if he’s ready to come back from the ailing hip.
Patterson has made both his field goals both his extra points in three games.
