Dolphins put LB Jerome Baker on IR, rule out RG Robert Hunt

Field Level Media|published: Sat 9th December, 17:39 2023

Oct 22, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Jerome Baker (55) returns an interception for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. credits: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Dolphins placed linebacker Jerome Baker on injured reserve on Saturday and also ruled out right guard Robert Hunt for Monday's home game against the Tennessee Titans.

Baker injured the MCL in his knee during last Saturday's victory over the Washington Commanders. He will have to miss at least four games by being placed on the IR.

Miami coach Mike McDaniel termed it a tough decision as the Dolphins can only activate one more player from IR this season.

"See, it's hard," McDaniel said of Baker's possible return. "That'd be me accessing the crystal ball. I think that that very well could be the outcome, but you're hesitant with the way the season goes, the roster needs and him and his recovery. You just want to temper that a little bit. To assume that is not irresponsible, but I wouldn't put money on it because it's not known, if that makes sense."

Baker, 26, has been one of Miami's steadiest defensive players during his six-year NFL career. He has recorded 100 or more tackles three times and has 22.5 sacks, six forced fumbles and five interceptions in 93 career games (82 starts).

Baker has 69 tackles, 1.5 sacks and two interceptions (one returned for touchdown) in 12 games this season.

Hunt, 27, aggravated a hamstring injury against the Commanders. It was the same injury that caused him to miss two games last month.

The fourth-year pro has started 54 of 60 games played in the NFL.

The Dolphins listed left tackle Terron Armstead (knee/ankle) and free safety Jevon Holland (both knees) as questionable for Monday's game.

Miami also signed linebacker Calvin Munson off the practice squad of the New England Patriots. This is Munson's third stint with the Dolphins.

Munson has 88 tackles in 46 career games (seven starts) since breaking in with the New York Giants in 2017. He has played in 22 games for the Dolphins and 10 for the Patriots. Munson had one tackle in three games for New England this season.

Also, Tennessee ruled out cornerback Kristian Fulton (hamstring) and tight end Josh Whyle (knee). The Titans had previously ruled out star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (knee).

—Field Level Media