The Dolphins, for the first time this season, hope to have all their defensive players from their opening day roster available Sunday against Tennessee. That excludes the three who are out for the season (Koa Misi, Raekwon McMillan and Tony Lippett) and the one who’s suspended for the first eight games (T.J. McDonald).
Among those working their way back:
• After leaving last Sunday’s New Orleans game with a shoulder injury, cornerback Xavien Howard participated fully in Thursday’s practice and said he’s fine. Alterraun Verner said he got some first team snaps Thursday, but Howard is expected to start presuming he has no setback with the shoulder.