Xavien Howard to play for Dolphins on Thursday
By Brian Miller
Cornerback Xavien Howard is set to make his Miami Dolphins debut on Thursday night. Howard has missed the first three games with an injury.
More from Dolphins News
- 4 offensive tackles Miami Dolphins could draft at 51
- Miami Dolphins don’t need CB help but these 5 could be available at 51
- 4 players that could replace Wilkins if Miami Dolphins don’t re-sign him
- Miami Dolphins have a starting point with Wilkins after Simmons deal
- The Miami Dolphins should not take a running back in the draft
Xavien Howard suffered a knee injury in the first week of camp and has missed all of the camp. He has missed the first three pre-season games as well. Howard returned to practice ahead of the week three contest last Thursday but was held out.
Since rejoining the team on the field, Howard has been running with the first team unit. The Dolphins will give him his first NFL game action this Thursday night to round out the exhibition season.
Barring another injury, Howard is expected to start the season opposite Byron Maxwell.
Xavien Howard doesn’t have a lot of quality competition on the outside. Tony Lippett has struggled and while Bobby McCain has played well he hasn’t really been consistent The job is wide open for Howard even with little practice thus far.
In addition to Howard the Dolphins will get back Kenyan Drake who has been nursing an injury most of training camp. Drake should see his first real action of the pre-season. Regardless of how he plays it should not have an impact on who the Dolphins keep when final roster moves are made next weekend.
The Dolphins drafted Drake in the 3rd round of this past April’s draft and are hoping that he can contribute in both the running game and the return game. Drake was the primary back-up at Alabama but the Dolphins feel he is a player who can carry a higher workload.
For now, Drake will have time to learn behind Jay Ajayi and Arian Foster.