The Miami Dolphins, at 4-7, are still clinging to life in the AFC playoff race and have a slim chance of snagging a wild-card spot.
Miami will have to run the table, or at least lose no more than one game, to stay alive until Week 18, with a matchup against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday the first test of their final six-game stretch.
They'll hope to get some reinforcements, though, with the potential return of two key offensive players against New Orleans on Sunday.
Darren Waller and Austin Jackson could return for Dolphins
Tight end Darren Waller and right tackle Austin Jackson both "have a chance" to return from injured reserve in time for Sunday's game against the Saints, according to head coach Mike McDaniel.
"TE Darren Waller (pectoral) has a chance at being activated from injured reserve ahead of Sunday's game versus the Saints, head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters," per NFL.com's injury news roundup.
"RT Austin Jackson (toe; IR) also has a chance at returning this Sunday, per McDaniel."
The Dolphins have dearly missed both players. Waller hasn't played since the Dolphins' Week 7 matchup against the Cleveland Browns, and Jackson hasn't suited up since Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts.
In four games with Miami, Waller has been a massive red zone threat for Tua Tagovailoa, hauling in four touchdowns.
Jackson, meanwhile, has been a major loss to the offensive line. Tagovailoa, a left-handed quarterback, hasn't had his blindside tackle on the right side of the offensive line all season.
With both players back in the fold, the Dolphins have a much better chance of turning their season around.
More Dolphins news:
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- Ex-Dolphins quarterback says 'consistency' is team's biggest problem
- Dolphins' Mike McDaniel reveals Dan Quinn's importance to his sobriety
- Dolphins linked to $230 million quarterback as Tua Tagovailoa replacement
- Dolphins' Tyreek Hill has hilarious reaction to former teammate signing with division rival Bills
- Dolphins lose key defender to season-ending knee injury