Dolphins LT Terron Armstead showing encouraging signs in recovery from pectoral strain

The progress for Miami Dolphins left tackle Terron Armstead continues to look more encouraging as the days pass since he suffered a pectoral strain in last Sunday’s win over the Houston Texans.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel called Armstead “game to game” on Wednesday, noted the three-time Pro Bowler won’t require surgery on the chest muscle and sounded like he wasn’t immediately ruling Armstead out for the three consecutive road games to come — or even this Sunday’s game at the San Francisco 49ers (7-4).

“You can rest assured that he’ll do everything possible,” said McDaniel, who added Armstead continues to impress him as a professional with the way he recovers. “If there’s a way that he can be on the field and play in December against a playoff team, he lives for that moment.

“As long as there’s nothing keeping him from hurting his team or himself, he’ll be out there.”

This update came after McDaniel initially said it at least won’t be a season-ending ailment for Armstead, who had previously been playing through a nagging toe injury through the first half of the year. The Dolphins (8-3) appear like they won’t need to put Armstead on injured reserve, which would put him out at least four weeks.

“He was a little nervous, I think, in the 24 hours after,” McDaniel said of Armstead, “but in double the time, he’s come back with a little pep in his step.”

Armstead left the game against the Texans late in the first half. The Dolphins offensive line then allowed five sacks, four while quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was still in the game — plus one negated by a facemask — and another on backup Skylar Thompson.

McDaniel indicated right tackle Austin Jackson is further from a return after re-injuring the right ankle that caused him to sit since the opener against the New England Patriots.

“I’d be surprised if he was able to play,” McDaniel said. “I’m not expecting him to be able to play.”

Without Jackson, Brandon Shell can likely slide back into right tackle duties, like he did successfully for several weeks while Jackson was out with the initial high-ankle sprain. Shell has nearly all his career experience on the right side and has struggled when put in at left tackle twice this season.

“Imagine if you’re right-handed and you go and write with your left hand,” Shell explained as to the difference he feels. “You don’t feel too good. You can do it, but you don’t feel too good.”

Should Armstead be unable to go, that means Greg Little will probably be inserted at left tackle.

“Wherever coach needs me and when he needs me, I need to be ready,” said Little, who added he feels comfortable on either side while having more experience at left while gaining much at right tackle earlier this season.

Neither Armstead nor Jackson participated in Wednesday drills — Armstead with his toe ailment still listed on the injury report along with the pectoral.

Running back Raheem Mostert is in a good spot to return to action against his former team after missing the game against the Texans.

“He should be ready to go,” McDaniel said Wednesday.

Mostert, speaking at his locker room ahead of Wednesday’s practice, also said he expects to play.

McDaniel said Mostert, who wore a brace on his right knee and was limited at Wednesday drills, was close to playing against Houston, but McDaniel called it “too risky to what he means to the team.”

Fellow running back Myles Gaskin (shoulder/ankle) and outside linebacker Melvin Ingram (veteran rest) were non-participants Wednesday. Defensive tackle Raekwon Davis (knee) was seen working out on the side and listed as limited, as were linebacker Jerome Baker (hip) and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (knee).

Starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was on the injury report with an ankle injury but participated fully in Wednesday drills.

Prime-time flex

After the Dolphins game against the 49ers, their ensuing matchup at the Los Angeles Chargers will now be played on Sunday night after the NFL’s Tuesday announcement to flex the game into prime time over the Chiefs-Broncos game originally slated for the night slot.

It’s the first time since flex scheduling began in 2006 that the Dolphins had a matchup upgraded to prime time from an afternoon post.

McDaniel said it’s never a particular goal of a team to earn a flex, but he appreciated it as a symbol for what Miami has accomplished through 11 games at 8-3.

“I think you acknowledge it, and that’s something that the players should be proud of,” McDaniel said. “That means the players have decided that they want to make the most out of all the talent that they have, and they’re committed to doing so and it’s a credit to them.”

He also wants to keep this week’s focus on San Francisco.

“It is next week,” he said. “If you worry about next week against a team like we’re facing, you will be humbled fast.”

McKinley’s first

Dolphins undrafted rookie safety Verone McKinley’s first career interception in the Houston game sealed the victory after the Texans scored 15 unanswered points to cut a 30-0 halftime deficit in half.

“It’s huge. Of course, getting that first one is big,” McKinley said. “Being a football player, understanding situations, where we’re at, the formation, where they’re trying to attack and being able to read the quarterback, see it and just go. Having that confidence, being in some more games — I’ve played a little bit more; I’ve been in those pressure situations — so now it’s understanding we need to get off the field, just end this game.”

The first teammate joining McKinley in the post-interception celebration was Jevon Holland, who goes back with McKinley to college football at Oregon.

Who was more excited?

“Probably him,” McKinley said. “He’s been supporting me the whole time. For us to be on the field together at the same time, it’s been huge.”

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