As the Miami Dolphins prepare for a must-win game this weekend against the New York Jets, the opposing squad is dealing with some major injury concerns.
The Jets are in serious danger of being without two of their best players, as running back Breece Hall and cornerback Sauce Gardner are both listed as doubtful.
The Jets are working through another lost season, as they’re 3-9 and almost certainly going to miss the playoffs again. The Dolphins, however, still have a chance to sneak into the postseason, making the statuses of Hall and Gardner very important going into Sunday’s game.
Neither Hall nor Gardner have missed a game this season, something that could obviously change soon. Hall is dealing with a knee injury while Gardner is dealing with a hamstring ailment.
In 12 appearances this season, Hall has nearly 700 rushing yards to go along with four rushing touchdowns. He also has around 400 receiving yards and has added two receiving touchdowns.
Gardner, meanwhile, has six passes defended in his 12 appearances. He isn’t having his best season but is still a two-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro who is only in his third season.
While nobody ever wants to see injuries happen, the Dolphins would certainly have an easier path to a victory if Hall and Gardner were to miss Sunday’s game.
Miami has very little — if any — margin for error remaining as it tries to make the playoffs. The team may need to win each of its five remaining games in the regular season. Aside from the upcoming matchup against the Jets, the Dolphins will also face the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns and finally the Jets again to wrap things up.
A 5-0 finish would give the Dolphins an overall record of 10-7 this season, a mark that would certainly give the team a chance to make the playoffs. But winning five in a row is easier said than done, and Miami has to focus on this weekend’s matchup before it can start thinking about anything else.
Hall’s and Gardner’s statuses will be worth monitoring as Sunday’s game gets closer.
