The New York Jets face potential challenges against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, as cornerback Sauce Gardner and running back Breece Hall are doubtful due to injuries.

Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich mentioned on Friday that it looks likely both players will not participate unless something unexpected occurs in the next few days.
Gardner exited last Sunday’s match against the Seattle Seahawks late in the game due to a strained hamstring, while Hall, who played through a knee issue last week, has been limited in practice this week due to what Ulbrich described as “a little bit of an MCL, a little bit of a hyperextension.” Last week, Hall managed to gain 60 yards on 12 carries.

Additionally, Ulbrich confirmed that linebacker C.J. Mosley would be placed on injured reserve, concluding his efforts to return from a herniated disk that has kept him out for the previous five games.
“This is a hard decision for an incredibly prideful and respected leader on our team,” Ulbrich stated, referring to Mosley. “It wasn’t an easy call for him, but it’s the best for both him and our organization.”
Wide receiver Allen Lazard (chest) and offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer (finger) will return from injured reserve in time to play.
In Gardner’s absence, Brandin Echols is expected to start alongside D.J. Reed. Earlier in the week, Ulbrich expressed doubts about Gardner’s ability to participate, emphasizing the importance of ensuring he is healthy, especially given the speed of the Dolphins’ wide receiver tandem, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
“It’s significant not having Gardner,” Ulbrich acknowledged. “It’s going to be difficult. Fortunately, we have Brandin Echols, who has substantial experience and has played against the Dolphins before.”
Ulbrich highlighted that Echols has successfully faced Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in previous encounters, even returning two interceptions for touchdowns.

“Would we prefer having Sauce? Absolutely,” Ulbrich admitted. “But having Echols available is a strong backup option in this scenario.”
Hall currently leads the team with 692 rushing yards and has scored four touchdowns, in addition to his 46 receptions for 401 yards and two touchdowns. His most recent injury is to his left knee—the same one in which he suffered an ACL tear two years ago.
“His knee just isn’t feeling right,” Ulbrich remarked regarding Hall’s condition.
To compensate for Hall’s absence against the Dolphins, rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis, along with Kene Nwangwu, are expected to step up.
Allen, a fourth-round pick, has accumulated 240 rushing yards and two touchdowns as Hall’s main substitute. On the other hand, Davis, a fifth-round selection, has gained just 22 yards on five carries but managed to score his first touchdown catch last week against the Seahawks. Nwangwu is more of a special teams player but recently earned recognition as the AFC’s special teams player of the week for returning a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown.
“We’re fortunate concerning our running back depth, even without Breece, who I consider one of the best in the league,” Ulbrich reflected. “Our running back room still ranks among the best in the NFL without him.”