MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins wide receiver Caleb Douglas is still not ready to practice to start the week of preparation ahead of Sunday’s game at the Minnesota Vikings, according to coach Jeff Hafley, but running back Jaylen Wright will at least participate on a limited basis Wednesday.
Douglas missed last Sunday’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs with the ankle injury suffered Sept. 20 against the San Francisco 49ers.
“We’ll take it one day at a time with him and see how he feels,” Hafley said.
Without Douglas, fellow rookie Chris Bell (four receptions, 67 yards), slot receiver Malik Washington (five catches, 56 yards) and tight end Greg Dulcich (five catches, 55 yards) saw additional targets.
Wright’s status comes into focus this week as star running back De’Von Achane is lost for the season after tearing his ACL on Sunday. He missed the game against the Chiefs after entering doubtful with the combination of foot and stinger issues. Last week, he had limited practices Wednesday and Thursday before missing Friday’s session.
Wright and Ollie Gordon II, who had 17 carries for 41 yards, could be in line to split carries in Achane’s absence.
As for Achane, Hafley said he’s doing well since the unfortunate news his season was over.
“He’s had a great attitude,” Hafley said. “Whenever you go through a serious injury, it’s not just the physical recovery, it’s mental.”
Miami hasn’t brought in a new third running back as of Wednesday afternoon. Options on the practice squad are Jarquez Hunter and Carlos Washington Jr.
“We’ll take a look at both and then, obviously, have to make a decision and call one up and see who gives us the third back,” Hafley said.
Dolphins defensive lineman Rob Beal Jr. is not practicing Wednesday, according to Hafley.
For the Vikings, star wide receiver Justin Jefferson’s injury status through his ankle injury is a primary storyline ahead of Sunday.
“He’s one of the premier players in the league,” Hafley said. “Premier players require attention. We’re going to go about the game as if he’s playing. We’d be foolish not to.”
Hafley also touted fellow Vikings wideout Jordan Addison as one of the most underrated players in the league.
— The Dolphins brought defensive tackle Keith Cooper Jr. back onto the practice squad Wednesday after waiving him Monday and having him clear waivers Tuesday.
This story will be updated.