Miami Dolphins rookie receiver Caleb Douglas is expected to play Sunday against the New York Jets after missing the past three games with a right ankle injury, according to the team’s reporting from Miami Gardens. Douglas has not played since Sept. 20, when he left in the second half of a 35-13 loss at San Francisco.
Douglas returned to practice this week as a limited participant. He said it felt good to run and move again. Before the injury, he caught seven passes for 113 yards in the first two games, still the third-most on the team.
His return comes at a time when the passing game has struggled. Miami is averaging 153.6 passing yards per game, the second-lowest mark in the NFL, and 14 points per game, even though its rushing offense ranks ninth in the league.
Coach Jeff Hafley said he is not overly optimistic about Douglas right away. He said the rookie has stayed mentally sharp but has missed valuable practice reps, and that timing and rhythm with the quarterback take time to return. Running back Jaylen Wright, limited this week with a foot injury, is also expected to play.
