Dolphins could be without two main defensive starters against Chargers due to COVID-19

One of the main reasons the Miami Dolphins are enjoying a four-game winning streak as they battle atop the AFC East is Brian Flores’ remade defense. Not only was Unity the best NFL scoring defense of 2020, but it’s also permit the fourth fewest points of the year. But Miami could be behind by two key starters on that side of the ball when the team host the Los Angeles Chargers this Sunday, with defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and linebacker Kyle Van Noy landing on the COVID-19 reserve list.

the Dolphins announced Thursday that Wilkins and Van Noy were among three players making their way to the COVID roster, which doesn’t necessarily mean the veterans will miss Week 10, but certainly questions their availability. All players who have contracted COVID-19 or are in contact with an infection should be placed on the list, but only those who have tested positive themselves or are considered high risk contacts are required to bring in. quarantine for at least five days. .

If Wilkins and / or Van Noy fall into any of the latter categories, they will be forced to miss Sunday’s game. Both players played an important role in Miami’s much-loved defense in 2020. Wilkins, who was drafted 13th overall in 2019, has been involved in two takeaways as part of the defensive line rotation. Van Noy, who joined Miami on a five-year contract this offseason, walked the field with two sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss, four pass deflections and two forced fumbles.