For the first time in nearly two seasons, Dion Jordan practiced for the Miami Dolphins.
Jordan missed the entire 2015 season because of multiple violations of the NFL substance abuse policy. The last game Jordan played in was December 28, 2014, in the Dolphins 37-24 loss to the New York Jets.
Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said he doesn’t have a lot of expectations for Jordan.
“Right now, just to see him practice,” said Joseph. “He hadn’t played in almost two years, so for Dion, it’s to get back to the field and practice first. That’s the plan right now. But nothing above board, just to see him practice first and see where he’s at physically.”
Through 26 games, Jordan has 46 tackles and three career sacks. Jordan has been on the non-football injury list, which means he isn’t on the Dolphins 53-man active roster. Miami has three weeks to place Jordan or the active roster or the team must keep him on the non-football list the rest of the season.
Jordan said he isn’t sure if he will play in 2016.
“It’s my health.” It’s my body, Jordan said. “If my body tells me I’m not ready to perform against the best athletes I’m not going to put myself out there,” Jordan said. “But the way things have been going, they’ve been going well and I’ve got high hopes for myself to get out there and compete before the season ends.”
With Jason Jones suspended for the next two weeks because he violated the substance abuse policy and Mario Williams ankle injury, the Dolphins could use some more depth at defensive end.
While Jordan has played at the linebacker position in the past, Joseph said if Jordan does play this season, it will be at defensive end.
“He’s a natural end for us,” Joseph said. “Our ends are more and more like outside linebackers, so it fits him perfect. He’s going to rush, he’s going to prop, he’s going to be in the run game as an outside edge player. For us, he’s an outside backer/defensive end. That’s what we play with. It’s the same spot for us here.”
Everyone was on the field but Pouncey
All the Dolphins attended Thursday’s Thanksgiving practice but center Mike Pouncey. He has been dealing with a hip injury that has kept him out since last week.
Pouncey went to see a specialist on his hip, but it is no word on when he will play again.
Tackle Branden Albert was on the practice field on Thursday, but he was not practicing during the media portion of availability. Albert has a wrist injury that kept him out of last week’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. He is expected to miss another week or two.
Guard/Tackle Laremy Tunsil was practicing with the rest of the team. Tunsil injured his should last week against the Rams and he did not return to the game.
If Tunsil can play against the 49ers on Sunday, expect him to be back at tackle with the unlikelihood that Albert plays. If that is the case, Kraig Urbik will likely be back at guard while Anthony Steen will be at center.
Twitter: @antwanstaley
