NFL4 hours ago2 minute read

Caleb Douglas Set to Return as Dolphins Face Jets

Rookie receiver Caleb Douglas is back for the Miami Dolphins this Sunday against the New York Jets after missing three games with an ankle injury.

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Douglas returns to practice

Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas is ready to play this Sunday against the New York Jets. The young receiver missed the past three games because of a right ankle injury.

Douglas got hurt on Sept. 20 during the second half of a 35-13 loss at San Francisco. He was able to return to practice this week, working as a limited participant on Wednesday.

"Getting back out there, it felt good," Douglas said after Wednesday's session, "just being able to run again and being able to move."

Boost for the passing attack

Before going down with his injury, Douglas started his rookie year strong. He caught seven passes for 113 yards across his first two games. That yardage total still ranks as the third most on the team.

His return comes at a good time for a Miami passing game that has struggled. The Dolphins are averaging just 153.6 passing yards per game, which is the second lowest mark in the NFL.

Miami averages only 14 points per game overall. That low scoring average comes despite the Dolphins holding the ninth best rushing offense in the league. Running back Jaylen Wright is also expected to play Sunday after being limited in practice this week with a foot injury.

Managing expectations for the rookie

Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley is taking a cautious approach regarding what to expect from Douglas right away. Missing three weeks means the rookie missed important reps on the practice field.

Hafley noted that mental work does not always translate immediately to game action. "There are some guys that can learn by watching; there are some people that actually have to learn by doing," Hafley said. "So I think it's different with every player."

Hafley added that Douglas stayed sharp mentally and was efficient in practice while out. Still, the coach pointed out that Douglas is a rookie who has not played much football yet, so the team will wait to see how he performs.

What it means for the next game

Miami Dolphins at New York Jets (NFL, Sun, 25 Oct): New York Jets win 62%, Miami Dolphins win 38%; projected score New York Jets 21, Miami Dolphins 18. Our safest pick: Under 46.5 points.

New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins (NFL, Sun, 01 Nov): Miami Dolphins win 23%, New England Patriots win 77%; projected score Miami Dolphins 19, New England Patriots 25. Our safest pick: Dolphins +15.5.