Dolphins Injury Report Ahead of Week 1 Clash with Colts
As the Miami Dolphins gear up for their Week 1 showdown against the Indianapolis Colts, the team’s final injury report has unveiled significant hurdles. The Dolphins are facing a challenging situation with five players designated for game status, including three already ruled out.
Injuries Impacting Key Players
Among the notable absences is tight end Darren Waller, who has been officially ruled out for the contest. This decision aligns with head coach Mike McDaniel’s earlier comments indicating Waller’s unlikelihood of taking the field at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday. Joining Waller on the sidelines are cornerback Ethan Bonner and running back Jaylen Wright, both of whom also did not practice throughout the week.
With Wright out, the Dolphins are expected to elevate a player from the practice squad to bolster their running back corps, as they can’t afford to head into the game with just two active options. Among the candidates for promotion are Jeff Wilson Jr. and JaMycal Hasty, both of whom have experience and could fill the void.
The tight end position is similarly thin, prompting the Dolphins to consider promoting one of their practice squad tight ends, either Hayden Rucci or newcomer Greg Dulcich, to ensure adequate depth ahead of the matchup.
James Daniels’ Status Remains Uncertain
Guard James Daniels finds himself in a precarious position, having missed Friday’s practice and now listed as questionable for the game against the Colts. Should Daniels be unable to play, the Dolphins have viable alternatives, with third-year offensive lineman Kion Smith likely stepping up to fill the gap.
Adding to this mix is wide receiver Dee Eskridge, who was previously dealing with a concussion. However, Eskridge returned to practice as a full participant on Friday, indicating he is on track to play this weekend.
Positive Developments for the Dolphins
In a silver lining for the Dolphins, the majority of the 53-man roster participated fully in Friday’s practice, escaping injury designations. This includes running back De’Von Achane, wide receiver Tyreek Hill, and tackle Austin Jackson—all of whom are expected to contribute against the Colts. Safety Elijah Campbell, who appeared on the injury report with a knee issue, is also cleared, as is safety Ashtyn Davis, whose return to health seemed uncertain earlier in training camp.
Colts’ Injury Status
Turning to the Colts, their injury report saw a minor update on Friday. Veteran defensive tackle DeForest Buckner was added to the report for rest purposes, but he carries no game status designation and is expected to take the field. The only player noted with a game status is running back Tyler Goodson, who is listed as questionable due to an elbow injury that limited his participation throughout the week.
As both teams prepare for this pivotal matchup, the Dolphins will need to navigate their injury challenges carefully, while the Colts head into the game with a relatively healthy roster. The kickoff promises to be an intriguing contest, showcasing both teams’ resilience and depth as they launch their season.
