In Week 17, the Miami Dolphins won their seventh game of the year as they beat Tampa Bay 20-17. Head coach Mike McDaniel has managed a surprising turnaround after their 1-6 start, as they have now gone 6-3 since. Despite missing out on the postseason, the coaching staff is currently in an audition process to remain in charge of the team heading into next season.
After their 1-6 start, the Dolphins fired general manager Chris Grier and promoted Champ Kelly to interim general manager. Following the season, the general manager search is set to begin. The Dolphins hired Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman to assist them in their search for a new general manager.
Now, the Dolphins will head into Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots, as they hope to avoid double-digit losses for the first time since head coach Mike McDaniel took over the team. For McDaniel, the game on Sunday will provide another opportunity to show he’s the right man to lead Miami going forward. Rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers will make his third career start as he hopes to lead the Dolphins to a win in their final regular season game.
NFL Announces Punishment for Dolphins Player
Another player of Miami’s 2025 draft class is running back Ollie Gordon. The Dolphins selected Gordon in the sixth round of the NFL Draft. The former Oklahoma State running back had a standout 2023 season, where he won the Doak Walker Award after being named the nation’s top college running back. A down 2024 season resulted in Gordon falling in the draft.
The Miami Dolphins rookie running back has had an up-and-down season with the Dolphins. He has primarily been used in short-yardage situations as his power running style can provide the Dolphins a boost when few yards are needed. He has totaled four touchdowns on the season, but has provided a poor 3.1 yards per rushing attempt. Perhaps worst of all for Gordon, he’s recently been punished by the NFL for his actions in Miami’s win over Tampa Bay.
Gordon was fined $5,045 after the NFL determined that he committed unnecessary roughness with a leg-whip with 20 seconds left in the second quarter. The infraction was not called during the game as Miami was not penalized, but the drive stalled out regardless as the clock expired. Fortunately for Gordon, the action does not carry a suspension so he will be available for the Dolphins’ regular season finale.
Dolphins Running Backs vs Patriots
Unfortunately for Miami, it seems Pro Bowl running back De’Von Achane will be unavailable for the Dolphins as he’s listed as doubtful prior to the game. Earlier in the season, it would have appeared that Achane being unavailable would result in an expanded role for Ollie Gordon. However, the rookie has seen his carries go down as he’s been unable to be effective in his limited role. Gordon has now had five or fewer carries in five games; that span includes a game where Achane left with a rib injury in the second quarter.
The Miami Dolphins running back room will likely be led by second-year player Jaylen Wright, who most recently posted over 100 yards when Achane was hurt. Wright has seemingly surpassed Gordon on the depth chart. It would mark the first start of the season for Wright.
NFL Announces Punishment for Dolphins Player Before Patriots Game