Byron

Maxwell

Maxwell has waged several battles against sophomore DeVante Parker early in the offseason program, and Gase believes those matchups can only be good for the young receiver. “He has challenged the wideouts,” Gase said. “I know, offensively, he makes our guys better, because they know they’re going to get a tough matchup every time that they go out there.” Without any proven depth behind him, the Dolphins are relying on Maxwell to be a true No. 1 corner after the role looked too big for him last year in Philadelphia.

Maxwell was terrible the first three games before being benched last Thursday. Now he will be asked to start opposite Tony Lippett. The Titans’ passing game is terrible, but even Marcus Mariota and company should be able to find some success against Miami.

NFL.com’s Mike Garofolo reports Maxwell has been outright benched, and that Tony Lippett will start opposite rookie Xavien Howard. Maxwell’s dismal Eagles play has carried over to Miami, where he’s been one of the league’s worst corners on 244 snaps. A second-year fifth-rounder, Lippett is also a disaster waiting to happen. He hasn’t played a defensive snap this season. Miami’s secondary is a massive trouble spot.

The Dolphins announced before the game that Maxwell was being removed from the starting lineup, but he wasn’t expected to be put on ice altogether. He was one of just three active Dolphins players not to play a down. Meanwhile, young CBs Tony Lippett and Xavien Howard got their lunch money taken by A.J. Green.

Maxwell injured his ankle early in last week’s win over the Jets. He’s looking closer to doubtful than probable for Saturday’s game at Buffalo. Xavien Howard will start opposite Tony Lippett if Maxwell can’t get the green light.

It’s an upgrade to Sammy Watkins’ matchup, leaving Tony Lippett and rookie Xavien Howard as the Dolphins’ starting cornerbacks. Maxwell has had a bounce-back season in Miami after flopping in Philadelphia last season. It sounds like he suffered a high ankle sprain in last week’s win over the Jets.

It’s hardly ideal as the Dolphins try to win on the road in Buffalo. Xavien Howard and Tony Lippett are getting the start at quarterback.

Maxwell came out of the game in the first quarter. He’s done for the night. Maxwell was replaced with Xavien Howard in the lineup.

“It’s way too early to tell,” Maxwell said. “We’ll know more as we get more information. I just had the MRI, so we’ll know more [Monday].” Rookie Xavien Howard held his own in Maxwell’s place, but the Dolphins would obviously like to have the services of their top corner during the playoff push.

This is not a surprise considering Maxwell has reportedly not yet been cleared to run. He is at best questionable for the first round of the playoffs. Xavien Howard and Tony Lippett will continue to start with Maxwell sidelined.