Both players, who were held out of Wednesday's practice, worked during team drills on Thursday, which could get them a step closer to playing in Sunday's 4 p.m. game against the Jets.

Crowder, an inside linebacker who generally played on every down, sat out last Sunday's win against the Chiefs because of a left knee injury.

Crowder, whose 105 tackles are second most on the team, warmed up before the Chiefs game but estimated his knee was at 80 percent by game-time.

The Dolphins defense struggled without the four-year starter, allowing 492 yards and four touchdowns to the Chiefs. His replacements, Akin Ayodele and Reggie Torbor, contributed just four tackles. Crowder's only had one game this season where he's contributed less then five tackles.

Allen, who is nursing a groin injury he suffered against Kansas City, has started 117 straight games in his NFL career, a streak that goes all the way back to the second week of his rookie season.

He's contributed 50 tackles, one sack and three interceptions this season.

If he's sidelined the Dolphins will likely have to call on Jason Allen, the team's 2006 first-round pick, to play a larger role against the Jets.

Jason Allen was part of the Dolphins' nickel package for five weeks, until he broke his right hand in a loss to the Patriots.

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