The final inactive report is out for the Miami Dolphins and it does not look great just 90 minutes away from hosting their division rival New England Patriots in a must win Week 2 spot. The team will be without their two highest paid offensive lineman, James Daniels and Austin Jackson, to protect Tua’s blindside this afternoon.
Daniels was the team’s biggest free agent signing, coming in on a three-year, $24 million deal this offseason. He has now been placed on the injured reserve after a pectoral injury suffered this week. Head coach Mike McDaniel says he is expected to miss at least a month and change, and with this injury designation he will be sidelined till Week 5 at the soonest.
Jackson became the second offensive lineman to be put on the injured reserve this week. His toe injury suffered in the 33-8 loss was evaluated all week. In McDaniel’s own words, he didn’t want to place him on IR then find out he is actually good to go before the four weeks expire. So it is safe to assume this foot injury is pretty serious.
Jaylen Wright will once again have his debut delayed.
Cornerbacks Storm Duck and Ethan Bonner will both also not be taking the field. This could be an issue against a Patriots‘ team that was able to throw for nearly 300 yards in Week 1.
Lastly, Benito Jones‘ oblique injury will keep him sidelined and soften up the middle of this Dolphins‘ run defense.
James Daniels And Austin Jackson Replacements
Kion Smith and Larry Borom will have to step up this week in the face of a New England pass rush that really impressed in Week 1.
It’s going to be up to Kion Smith and Larry Borom to protect Tua Tagovailoa’s blind side,” writes Alain Poupart on SI. We’d imagine the Dolphins would find ways to give them some help throughout the game, but they’ll still have to perform against a New England defense that produced five sacks in its season-opening loss against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Borom played well in his ten snaps last week, recording a PFF grade in the high 70’s.
Smith, however, really struggled against the Colts. He is credited with 44 snaps played, posting a 45.7 running block grade and a 59.6 pass block grade. As a guard, he will be lined up across the Patriots‘ biggest free agent acquisition, Super Bowl champion Milton Williams.
Patriots’ Hobbled In Their Own Right
The biggest injury for a Patriots team making the trip to South Beach is All Pro corner Christian Gonzalez. Gonzo hasn’t been seen yet this year, and it won’t start against the Phins. It will be up to Carlton Davis, captain Marcus Jones, and third-year CB Alex Austin to try to stop Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
One of the Patriots‘ longest run defenders will also be out in Keion White. This will even up the offensive line troubles for Miami. Six-year Patriots‘ vet Anfrenee Jennings will be activated from the practice squad to fill in.
Dolphins’ Two Highest Paid O-Lineman Placed On IR, Final Inactive Report