Caleb Douglas injury: Dolphins WR still not ready to practice

MIAMI GARDENS ― Miami Dolphins wide receiver Caleb Douglas is not ready to practice due to an ankle injury, according to coach Jeff Hafley .

Douglas has already missed two games with the injury.

Fellow rookie Chris Bell and young veteran Malik Washington would be in line for more targets if Douglas is not able to play on Sunday, Oct. 11, against the Cincinnati Bengals .

The Dolphins will probably have a clearer view on Douglas' status after a practice on Thursday, Oct. 8.

Douglas was Miami's breakout rookie star in the spring and summer. Douglas leads the team in receiving yards per game at 56.5, just ahead of Washington.

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Douglas is also averaging 16.1 yards per reception. When he is on the field with Bell, who averages 18.4 yards per reception, it really gives Malik Willis the opportunity to drive the ball down the field.

Dolphins Willis and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik are already working without star running back De'Von Achane.

The Dolphins are last in the league, averaging 11.5 points per game through four weeks.

Hafley felt defensive tackle Kenneth Grant , returning to practice this week, was trending in the right direction before an injury... Hafley on Bengals QB Joe Burrow : "I think he's, you know, one of the top, top guys in the league. He can make all the throws. He's smart. He sees it all. He can get in and out of the right calls constantly at the line of scrimmage. I just have so much respect for how tough he is."... Hafley on right tackle Austin Jackson : "I'm not concerned. I think if you really study that tape and watch the tape, you'll see improvement from Austin in that last game as well as the rest of our offensive line."... Hafley on running back Jaylen Wright : "We'll see what he can do this week with more plays."... Hafley on running back Ollie Gordon II : I've seen growth as far as how he's practicing, though. I think he's matured on the field."... Opposing tight ends have had success against the Dolphins this season. But Hafley is not overly focused on the production of one specific opponent position. "It's what do we need to do to keep the points down to help us win the game?" Hafley said... Hafley on Chop Robinson : Congrats. You had your 10 pressures in your sack. I love it. But can you do it again?Because if you don't, then it doesn't matter."

Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post . You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Threads and Instagram and X at @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter . Help support our work by subscribing today.