Jay Cutler was on the practice field Tuesday for the Miami Dolphins. He was joined by another vital piece of the offense in Jay Ajayi.
The running back is still in concussion protocol, but he was on the field with his pads and helmet on, catching passes from Cutler, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported. Ajayi is not cleared for game action, but having him on the practice field is a positive sign for the running back's progression.
Video evidence of the news:
(Sidebar: You got to lead him, Cutty. Guess Jay is still knocking off the rust.)
Ajayi's progression back from concussion protocol is important as we grind toward the regular season. The bruising back was a top-five runner down the stretch last season, despite playing behind a porous offensive line. Ajayi enters 2017 as the focal point of Gase's offense.
A healthy Ajayi gives the Dolphins one of the most balanced offenses in the NFL. Tuesday's participation marks a step in him returning to full health.
Here is the other injury news we are tracking Tuesday:
- Kansas City Chiefs kicker Cairo Santos is nursing a groin injury, so the team is working out John Lunsford and Conrad Ukropina at the position on Tuesday, sources informed of the situation told NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.
- Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Quinn told reporters that wideouts Julio Jones (toe) and Taylor Gabriel (leg) will not play on Thursday against the Dolphins.
- Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy said that cornerback Davon House's hamstring injury "is day-to-day. I don't have any long-term concern."
- Denver Broncos running back Jamaal Charles (knee) will not play Thursday against the Bears, head coach Vance Joseph told reporters.
- San Francisco 49ers linebacker Donavin Newsom was taken off the field by paramedics at practice on Tuesday after colliding with a teammate, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. The team has reported that Newsome does not have any cervical spine fractures, but he does have a concussion. Newsom is still being observed at Stanford Medical Center.
- Steelers offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva was evaluated for a concussion Sunday night, Mike Tomlin told reporters. He did not practice Tuesday.
- Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn said rookie wide receiver Mike Williams (back) is running and making progress.
- Cowboys defensive end Tyrone Crawford was carted off the field Tuesday during practice after suffering an ankle injury while making a tackle on running back Ezekiel Elliott. The team's official site confirmed the early diagnosis is a lateral right ankle sprain.
