The Miami Dolphins have made it through the first four games of the season, going 3-1 over that stretch. One of the more impressive aspects of their start has been that they’ve done it without cornerback Byron Jones.
Jones was placed on the PUP list to start the year after offseason surgery, meaning he would have to miss the first four weeks. Miami was able to survive without Jones, using Nik Needham and Kader Kohou opposite Xavien Howard. However, when Howard left the game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, the secondary was obviously lacking experience and ability.
For their Week 5 matchup against the New York Jets, Jones could return to action. Head coach Mike McDaniel led many to believe that he would be back for the start of the regular season, but they’ve clearly been patient with him as he recovers. It’s not exactly known if Jones is ready to go, as McDaniel said he had no update when he was asked about the situation on Friday.
Jones’ return, assuming he’s healthy, would drastically improve the secondary, as Needham would be able to return to the slot, and Kohou, the undrafted rookie, could be the fourth corner, providing depth.
At the same time, Miami would have to clear a roster spot for Jones to be activated, as they just filled their last open hole with wide receiver River Cracraft. The wideout has been somewhat productive this season, so he may not be the one to go.
The Dolphins could opt to move Cethan Carter or Hunter Long to injured reserve, as they’ve both missed time to start the season, or they could surprise everyone and release Noah Igbinoghene, who’s been a healthy scratch in two of the four games and has played just nine snaps, all on special teams.
However, until we know that Jones is healthy and ready to come back, there’s no need to worry about the corresponding move.
