This Dolphins march to the playoffs is remarkable for many reasons, including this one: They’re doing it with a patchwork group surrounding Kiko Alonso at linebacker.
With one starter (Koa Misi) sidelined since Week 5 because of neck surgery, another (Jelani Jenkins) rendered largely ineffective by knee issues, the Dolphins have needed to rely on a collection of players who were previously cut (Donald Butler, by San Diego in March and Arizona in September), undrafted developmental projects (Neville Hewitt and Mike Hull) and a veteran who had mostly been an NFL backup (Spencer Paysinger).
Though Jenkins was listed as questionable for Sunday, he said he’s optimistic that he will play but won’t be at 100 percent.