The Miami Dolphins faced several absences of key players during their practices and preseason games this summer, raising questions about the team’s composition as the regular season approaches, starting September 8.
Notable absentees from the joint practice and preseason finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to various health issues included wide receivers Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Odell Beckham Jr.; center Aaron Brewer; guard Isaiah Wynn; cornerback Jalen Ramsey; safety Jevon Holland; and edge defender Bradley Chubb. Additionally, tackle Terron Armstead has been under a load management program to prepare for the season’s start, and edge defender Jaelan Phillips just resumed practice after coming off the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
This tallies up to nine key starters and Beckham, anticipated to be the third-choice wide receiver. Beckham, Chubb, and Wynn, who have all been on the Active/PUP during the training camp, face a crucial decision by Tuesday at 4:00 PM EDT, as teams must finalize their 53-player rosters. Options include activating them or placing them on Reserve/PUP, which would exclude them from the first four regular-season games.
Head coach Mike McDaniel shared updates on the availability of some players for the opening game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, though details on some injuries remain unclear. The first official injury report, due on Wednesday before the game, will provide more clarity.
Here’s the status of the injured Dolphins based on recent updates from McDaniel:
- WR Tyreek Hill: Appears set for the first game, barring setbacks.
- WR Jaylen Waddle: Likely would have played if it were the regular season, suggesting readiness.
- C Aaron Brewer: His status post-Tampa Bay game is hopeful, but specifics are lacking.
- WR Odell Beckham Jr.: His condition remains largely undisclosed, though he’s been active in leadership off the field.
- WR Erik Ezukanma: Seen in a walking boot, but the injury isn’t long-term; his start in the first game remains uncertain.
- G Isaiah Wynn: Hasn’t practiced since a quad injury last year, casting doubt on his early-season availability.
Defensively:
- DT Benito Jones: Expected to be ready despite recent lack of practice.
- DT Brandon Pili: Suffered a leg injury but it may not be severe; further evaluations pending.
- OLB Bradley Chubb: Progressing well but his presence in the first game is up in the air, possibly starting on Reserve/PUP.
- LB Anthony Walker, Jr.: Hasn’t been on the field recently; his participation in the near term seems unlikely.
- CB Jalen Ramsey: Could have played if necessary during training; expected to be ready.
- S Jevon Holland: Anticipated to play, currently day-to-day.
These updates set the stage for a challenging roster finalization and the start of a promising season for the Dolphins.
