Dolphins list Jevón Holland has ‘doubtful’ for Sunday’s game but get back Jordan Poyer

All week, Jevón Holland appeared to try to test just how much he could do with a broken left hand.

The young safety ramped up his activity – and changed how he wrapped his hand – each day. On Monday, he was relegated to the recumbent bike. On Wednesday and Thursday, he flashed his ability to catch with one hand. By Friday, he caught a few balls with both hands and seemingly had his lightest wrap on his hand to date as he was able to fit a glove over it. Holland himself said he even “felt good” after Wednesday’s practice.

“Honestly this is my first broken bone for real, so it kind of just feels like a bad jam almost,” Holland said at the time, calling himself “day-to-day.”

Well, that’s why looks can be deceiving. The Dolphins officially listed Holland as doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts, according to Friday’s injury report. Although coach Mike McDaniel indicated last week that he could potentially see Holland playing with a club due to his value, the Dolphins likely decided that the risk of further damage was far too great.

“It’s a little tricky because you’re trying to get work without making a vulnerable situation worse with having and determining whether or not trying it out with it at the point of attack is appropriate or if you’re vulnerable to regression,” McDaniel said Friday. “So in the process, the work has been good all week. I do think he’s day-to-day, and that one is a little more evaluation up in the air for me, because I think you’re kind of acknowledging that you’re trying to not overcook the testing process too early as well.”

The potential absence of Holland, who has 22 total tackles, two pass deflections and a forced fumble on the year, would be a huge blow to a unit that currently owns the third best passing defense in the NFL. Although Holland’s status has dominated conversation for the past week, the Dolphins will get back Jordan Poyer who had missed the New England Patriots game with a shin injury. Poyer has certainly struggled in 2024 – Pro Football Focus has him ranked 80th out of 80 safeties – but his availability gives the Dolphins yet another veteran presence in the secondary.

If Holland doesn’t suit up, veteran safety Marcus Maye will likely take his place. Maye, who has alternated between free and strong safety throughout his eight-year career, started in place of Poyer against the Patriots, finishing with nine total tackles and a pass deflection.

A 2021 second round pick, Holland is in the last year of his rookie deal. The young safety has been an integral part of the Dolphins defense since his arrival, starting 47 of 50 games. Over his four year career, Holland has 261 total tackles, five interceptions, 23 pass deflections and five forced fumbles.