Miami Dolphins Receive Significant Injury Boost with Aaron Brewer Cleared for Jets Showdown
The Miami Dolphins have received a timely boost on the injury front ahead of their Week 14 matchup against the New York Jets. Center Aaron Brewer, who faced uncertainty due to ankle, neck, and knee issues, has been cleared to play. His status was called into question when the Dolphins elevated offensive lineman Kion Smith from the practice squad, but it was veteran Kendall Lamm who found himself inactive as the team navigated their offensive line depth.
Quarterback Situation
In addition to Brewer’s return, quarterback Zach Wilson will also be active for the Jets after being added to the injury report on Saturday due to illness. Wilson is set to serve as the backup to Tua Tagovailoa, while rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers will remain as the emergency third-string quarterback. This layered quarterback situation adds a layer of intrigue to the game.
Injury Report Insights
The Dolphins are also welcoming back special teams stalwart Elijah Campbell, who has been dealing with an ankle issue, and safety Ifeatu Melifonwu, who faced a thumb injury. Both players were listed as questionable but have been cleared to contribute. As a result, all inactives for Miami will be healthy scratches, with Lamm joining cornerback A.J. Green III, linebacker Andre Carter II, wide receiver Tahj Washington, and defensive tackle Matthew Butler on the inactive list. Notably, Carter has yet to see the field since joining the Dolphins from the Detroit Lions’ practice squad, filling the vacancy left by the trade of edge defender Jaelan Phillips to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Offensive Line Decisions
The decision to elevate Smith over Lamm raises some eyebrows, particularly since Smith was the player waived last weekend to create a roster spot for the return of Austin Jackson from injured reserve. Both players contribute on the field goal unit, but with Lamm’s role limited to just four or five snaps, the rationale behind the switch may suggest that the Dolphins were unsure about Brewer’s availability until just before game time.
New York Jets Inactive List
Turning to the Jets, their inactive list features quarterback Justin Fields, who will be replaced as the backup by Brady Cook. Cook was signed to the active roster on Saturday following Fields being ruled out due to a knee injury. Safety Tony Adams has also been downgraded from questionable to doubtful and will not play. The remaining Jets inactives include wide receiver Tyler Johnson, defensive back Ja’sir Taylor, edge rusher Braiden McGregor, defensive lineman Mazi Smith, and tight end Jelani Woods.
As the Dolphins prepare to face the Jets, the health of key players like Brewer could prove crucial in what promises to be a competitive clash.
