William Hayes is a key component to the Dolphins defense
William Hayes proved last year that his play had a major effect on the defense
In football, injuries are an ingrained part of the business. They are never a good thing. But when they happen to important players the damage is compounded.
Today, William Hayes beat Jesse Davis in a one-on-one drill for a sack. But his ‘win’ left him unable to rise on his own. The trainers had to help him off the field and he was done for the day… and maybe longer.
Chris Perkins reported: “Hayes now on feet…appears to have leg ailment of some sort, now taking off pads and limping…now back on all fours…keep an eye on this. Hayes limping badly, grabbing right leg/hip area as he leaves the field.”
It’s far too early to determine the extent of the injury. But this injury will likely have Hayes out for more than one practice given the amount of pain he was in and his heavy limp. Also, given his age, the trainers will slow roll his return… whenever that will be. We can only hope that it’s just a bruised hip and no structural damage on his right leg.
Charles Harris and Cameron Malveaux took Hays snaps inside in his absence. And while Phinsnews has written on our positive view of both Harris and Malveaux, it’s an easy bet with the pay per head reviews sites that they aren’t Hayes’ equal inside or out in run defense.
Yeah, Malveaux is a closes approximation in skill set and prototype and flashed in 2017. But he lacks the production and experience to be a good bet that he’ll reach Hayes’ level of play. So there’s no rosy story there.
William Hayes is an excellent addition at a reasonable price
While Hayes is a big piece of this defense, he is icing on the cake. Even if he misses extended time his loss won’t be a devastating hit. He will be missed for certain, but an injury to the likes of Phillips, Jones, Howard, McMillian, or Fitzpatrick would have been far worse.
Still, we can only hope Hayes is back soon. He’s a good guy and a good player, and Miami will be better with him than without. Go Phins!!!
