Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland played just 27 of the team’s 78 defensive snaps in the loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 18.
Holland was downgraded to questionable before the game after being listed as a full participant in practice on Friday, as he’s battled knee injuries during the second half of the season.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel was asked in his postgame press conference whether the lack of snaps for Holland was due to him suffering setbacks during the game or if it tied into him being downgraded before the game.
“He’s been battling for a while,” McDaniel said. “We’re trying to keep him involved without having him have more setbacks. He was battling through it tonight for sure. What he’s been working back from was not the easiest and he’s diligent about it. If there were any (setbacks) tonight I’m not aware of them.”
A healthy Holland is one of the most consistent performers in the Miami secondary. The injuries that he’s suffered likely cost him a lot of consideration for the Pro Bowl. For a defense that has now lost linebackers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb to season-ending injuries, the decreased role of Holland has become more apparent.
The Dolphins will have a short week to prepare for their playoff matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, which doesn’t bode well for Holland being able to get back to 100% health. It’ll be interesting to see how McDaniel and the Miami coaching staff manage Holland’s workload ahead of the game this weekend.