Jelani Jenkins Injury: Updates on Dolphins LB's Ankle and Return

Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Jelani Jenkins suffered an ankle injury against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 10. After missing Week 11, he is ready to return.

Continue for updates.

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Jenkins Active vs. Jets

Sunday, Nov. 29

The Dolphins announced Jenkins is available to play against New York.

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Latest on Jenkins' Practice Status

Friday, Nov. 27

The Dolphins announced that Jenkins was limited in Friday's session.

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Jenkins Vital to Dolphins' Defensive Success

With Jenkins back, the Dolphins have one of their best defensive playmakers at their disposal again.

Per Pro-Football-Reference.com, he played 15 games for the Dolphins last year and racked up an impressive 83 tackles, 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in a breakout campaign. Entering Week 10, he accumulated 53 combined tackles and one forced fumble on the 2015 campaign.

His speed and athleticism allow him to cover tight ends and running backs in space and pursue ball-carriers from sideline to sideline.

If Jenkins is forced to miss more time in the future, it is important to note that Ndamukong Suh’s presence will make it easier for any linebacker filling in for Jenkins because of the way the defensive tackle eats space in the middle and creates blitzing gaps for the next level.

Jenkins is certainly a talented defender, but others should be able to fill in and keep the defense afloat if the linebacker is limited or misses more playing time.

Spencer Paysinger is one candidate as a five-year veteran who spent his entire career with the New York Giants before this season. He is not the athletic force Jenkins is, but he understands positioning on the field and can fill the correct gaps if the former Florida Gator is sidelined again.