Kiko Alonso misses practice ahead of Jaguars game; T.J. McDonald day-to-day

The Miami Dolphins could be without starting linebacker Kiko Alonso for their Week 16 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Alsono has played every defensive snap this season, but has been dealing with knee and hamstring issues. He could simply have been given a rest day on Thursday, but there is concern about his availability for Sunday’s game.

Alonso leads the team with 120 tackles and has three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and three interceptions this season. He has been the most consistent of the team’s linebackers this year, especially when playing against the run.

Dolphins head coach Adam Gase said after Thursday’s practice that Alonso “is hurting, but the longer the week goes, the better he will feel.”

The Dolphins could also be without safety T.J. McDonald this week, with Gase describing him as “day-to-day.” Losing both Alsono and McDonald would add to the adjustments the team already has to make as they play for their slim playoff chances against Jacksonville. Miami must win both this week and next week against the Buffalo Bills to have any hopes of making it to the postseason this year.

Defensive tackle Ziggy Hood and wide receiver Danny Amendola, dealing with hamstring and knee issues respectively, both returned to practice on Thursday after missing it on Wednesday. Also practicing is cornerback Xavien Howard, selected to his first Pro Bowl this week, after missing the last two weeks with a knee injury. Howard practiced for his second day in a row and denied reports that he had surgery on the knee.