The Miami Dolphins were officially eliminated from playoff contention as they lost 28–15 to the Steelers on Monday Night Football.
The Dolphins got out to an early 3-0 lead after a 54-yard field goal from Riley Patterson, before allowing 28 straight points that put them in an insurmountable deficit. During this poor stretch of play by Miami, one of their veteran leaders suffered a calf injury that has now left the player’s future availability on a “week-to-week” basis.
Unfortunately for Miami, that player was five-time Pro Bowl selection Minkah Fitzpatrick. With the Bengals game looming for Miami, Fitzpatrick did not participate in practice after the calf injury. This is a big loss, as the Dolphins safety had turned into a veteran leader this year as he was finishing up a strong season in Miami.
Minkah Fitzpatrick
Minkah Fitzpatrick was traded to the Dolphins in the offseason, in exchange for former All-Pro Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith. The Dolphins defensive back was the team’s starting safety, before injuries to their nickel cornerbacks forced him to make a switch to that position. During the year, Fitzpatrick thrived in that newfound role. His interception return on the Saints’ two-point conversion try sealed a close win for the Dolphins.
When asked about playing multiple roles on the defense, Fitzpatrick said, “I like moving around. I like doing different things.” With this newfound responsibility, the Dolphins defensive back also registered the first sack of his career, which also happened against the Saints. Fitzpatrick entered the season having been selected to three consecutive Pro Bowls; however, this injury may hurt his chances of extending that streak. At the time of his injury, Fitzpatrick was not a top ten vote getter for the Pro Bowl at any position.
Despite the ongoing Pro Bowl results, Pro Football Focus has Minkah Fitzpatrick as the fourth-highest graded safety in the NFL. Regarding Fitzpatrick’s absence, defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said, “Dante Trader and Jason Marshall Jr. will play more.” Both Trader and Marshall were selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Dolphins Upcoming Game
With the Miami Dolphins eliminated, the team made the decision to bench quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, at least for this week. Their offense will be led by seventh-round rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers against the Bengals. Ewers will face off against the 32nd-ranked defense in the NFL. The Bengals have allowed 24 or more points in every game this season.
Defensively, the Dolphins will have to make do without Minkah Fitzpatrick. They will have to deal with Ja’Marr Chase, and likely Tee Higgins, who returned to practice this week after being unable to play on Sunday due to a concussion.
The Dolphins currently possess the 11th overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, and with the team being eliminated from the postseason, perhaps they’re best suited to improve that draft position. They have not selected in the top 10 since drafting Jaylen Waddle with the sixth overall pick in the 2021 Draft.
Dolphins Get More Bad News After Loss to Steelers