The Dolphins are expected to be without two key starters -- running back De’Von Achane and defensive lineman Zach Sieler - for somewhere “between days and weeks,” coach Mike McDaniel said after Saturday’s 24-17 Dolphins preseason win in Detroit.
But McDaniel said he’s not concerned about what fans or media might be concerned about with regard to their status. That suggests they should be back for the start of the regular season on Sept. 7 at Indianapolis.
McDaniel said Sieler could have played Saturday if it had been a regular-season game. Achane has a soft-tissue lower body injury that’s not severe, McDaniel said.
He said both players would be evaluated this week.
The nature of Sieler’s injury was not disclosed. He was wearing a baseball cap before Saturday’s game.
Five other Dolphins who aren’t on injured reserve or the physically unable to perform list also remain out: right tackle Austin Jackson (McDaniel has said he’s expected back for the opener) and offensive linemen Andrew Meyer,Liam Eichenberg and Bayron Matos, as well as safety Ashtyn Davis, who are all out indefinitely.
At least one Dolphins player sustained an injury during the game -- cornerback Ethan Bonner, who clutched at his left leg following a first half play. Mike McDaniel said Bonner has a hamstring injury and will be evaluated back in South Florida on Monday.
After a doctor evaluated Bonner, he accompanied a trainer into the Dolphins’ locker room. He walked slowly but without a clear limp.
Bonner and Storm Duck started at boundary cornerback on Saturday, with Cornell Armstrong getting the start in the slot. Slot cornerback Mile Hilton Jr. was among numerous veterans who did not play.
McDaniel on quarterbacks
With Tua Tagovailoa given the day off, both quarterbacks played better than a week ago.
Quinn Ewers, who played the second half, was somewhat better than Zach Wilson, finishing 11 for 17 for 116 yards and two touchdowns and a 123.7 passer rating.
Wilson, who played the first half, was 15 for 23 for 151 yards, one touchdown and a 98.3 passer rating.
McDaniel said two weeks ago that Wilson is definitely the No. 2 quarterback.
Asked Saturday if that has changed, McDaniel didn’t answer directly but said he doesn’t “want to over-react to results” because he’s more concerned, at the moment, about the process.
He assessed both quarterbacks this way:
Of Ewers, he said: “Some really good things he did. Some things he could do better... Orchestrating a 17 play drive at the end was good.” He said Wilson “did some really good things in the first half. He did a good job handling their early looks. Couple plays he could get better from.”