Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) takes part in drills at the NFL football team's practice facility, Wednesday, July 27, 2022, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (Lynne Sladky, AP)
Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel was back practicing with the team on Monday after having his appendix removed about two weeks ago.
Van Ginkel appeared to be running well as he went through a pair of drills observed during a brief media viewing portion of Monday’s practice ahead of the Dolphins’ regular-season opener against the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Van Ginkel began missing practices on Aug. 23, at the start of the week of preparation for the preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said later that week it was because of his appendix removal, but he indicated he didn’t fear it would be a long-term issue.
Van Ginkel has been a key edge presence for Miami each of the past two seasons. He has started 25 games between 2020 and 2021 and totaled 9 ½ sacks over the two campaigns, adding another sack in limited playing time as a rookie in 2019. Van Ginkel has 134 career tackles over his three NFL seasons since being a fifth-round pick of the Dolphins out of Wisconsin in the 2019 draft.
His role could become more rotational this season as the team added three-time Pro Bowl selection Melvin Ingram, who projects to start opposite Jaelan Phillips at outside linebacker. Miami also recently added veteran edge defender Trey Flowers to form a deep unit that is versatile on the edge.
Dolphins third-string quarterback Skylar Thompson was the only player on the active roster not seen at Monday’s session. Miami also had cornerback Nik Needham and fullback Alec Ingold running on the side while drills were going on.
Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle, cornerbacks Xavien Howard and Keion Crossen and safety Eric Rowe — all who have missed practice in recent weeks — were seen at Monday drills and appeared to be practicing.
Beginning Wednesday, the Dolphins will be releasing league-mandated injury reports for practices during game weeks.
—Former Dolphins wide receiver Preston Williams was signed to the Carolina Panthers practice squad on Monday.
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Originally published at Tribune News Service