It may end up being just one game Henry Ruggs III misses from being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. The rookie receiver was activated from the list after having been placed on the list nine days ago, causing him to miss the team’s Thursday night game against the Chargers.
“Henry Ruggs returned today,” Gruden said in Thursday’s press conference. “We gave him some reps. He looked pretty good. We’ll see how he feels tomorrow and we’re hopeful that perhaps he can be available for the game.”
If Gruden thinks Ruggs is ready to play against the Dolphins on one practice this week, you can bet he will have his speedy top pick in uniform Saturday. If not, then it will again be a question as to who starts opposite Nelson Agholor at receiver. Last week it was Zay Jones and he had one catch for nine yards.
This is a crucial game for the remaining shred of hope the team has of making the playoffs and they need all the help they can get.
Should he be active, it’s hard to say how much of a factor he would be. He had just 18 yards on three catches in the team’s matchup with the Colts two weeks ago — another game with considerable playoff implications.
Overall, Ruggs has caught 23 passes this season for 414 yards and two touchdowns.