Dolphins’ McDaniel optimistic about Tyreek Hill’s status, not ruling Austin Jackson out

MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins star wide receiver Tyreek Hill could be on track to make a return from a one-game absence in Sunday’s home game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Hill has had a good week with no setbacks, and he feels good about his availability for Sunday’s 4:25 p.m. kickoff at Hard Rock Stadium.

Hill sat out the Dolphins’ last game against the Jets after aggravating his ailing ankle in the Dec. 11 loss to the Tennessee Titans. He was “pretty close” then, according to McDaniel, to playing after testing the left ankle out in pregame warmups.

Meanwhile, Miami right tackle Austin Jackson will practice Friday, McDaniel said before the day’s drills.

Jackson left the Jets game after hurting the oblique injury that already had him entering questionable last Sunday.

McDaniel said he’s not ruling Jackson out, but right guard Robert Hunt will again miss a game, ruled out Friday. Hunt, with a hamstring injury, will miss a sixth start in the past seven games.

Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard, like Hill, is trying to return after missing the Jets win, him with a hip injury. He said Thursday he should be good to go, but McDaniel said, after an encouraging Thursday practice, Friday’s drills will be key in determining whether he and safety Jevon Holland can play against the Cowboys. Holland is trying to return from missing the last three games with injuries to both knees.

Fellow safety DeShon Elliott is deep in the stages of concussion protocol after going through a full practice Thursday, and the team hopes he is cleared entirely after Friday’s practice.

While running back Raheem Mostert was a non-participant in back-to-back injury reports heading into Friday, McDaniel said veteran rest played a key part in that. Mostert and De’Von Achane should be available Sunday.

This story will be updated.