MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Winners of two in a row, the Miami Dolphins expect to get right tackle Austin Jackson and tight end Darren Waller back Sunday against the New Orleans Saints at Hard Rock Stadium, head coach Mike McDaniel said Friday, adding that he is optimistic about their return.

“If there’s not a setback, I’m feeling optimistic,” McDaniel said on Waller’s status.

Waller was placed on injured reserve Oct. 22 after straining his pectoral muscle during the Dolphins’ 31-6loss to the Cleveland Browns Oct. 19.

In four games with the team, Waller caught 10 passes on 12 targets for 117 yards and four touchdowns –building a strong connection with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, especially in redzone situations.

The Dolphins placed Jackson on injured reserve Sept. 13, six days after Miami fell flat in its season opener against the Indianapolis Colts, because of a toe injury.

McDaniel said that, depending on how Friday’s practice goes, Jackson will be in the lineup Sunday.

On the final injury report, Waller, Jackson, cornerback Rasul Douglas (foot/ankle), and defensive tackleBenito Jones (ankle) were all listed as questionable.

Center Aaron Brewer(foot/ankle) was upgraded from a limited participant on Thursday to a full participant on Friday, putting him on track to play Sunday.

Along with Brewer,pass-rushers Bradley Chubb (foot) and Matthew Judon (knee), wide receivers Jaylen Waddle (foot) and Dee Eskridge (shoulder), and safety Ifeatu Melifonwu(thumb) have no game status, meaning they’re all likely to suit up.

Miami’s Week 13 game against the Saints is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. ET.

Dolphins hope to get Jackson, Waller back against Saints

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Brandon Liguori