Miami Dolphins face daunting injury news: James Daniels ruled out for the season
The Miami Dolphins are grappling with more than just their dwindling playoff hopes; they are now confronted with the harsh reality of losing key players. Head coach Mike McDaniel recently confirmed that left guard James Daniels will not return to action this season due to a pectoral injury. Though the news may not come as a shock—Daniels has been sidelined since Week 1 and McDaniel’s earlier remarks hinted at a bleak outlook—it now forces the organization to confront the implications for Daniels’ future with the team.
Assessing the Future of James Daniels
Daniels, who signed a three-year contract worth $24 million with $7.25 million guaranteed this past offseason, was expected to be a pivotal addition to the Dolphins’ offensive line. Regrettably, his time in Miami has been marred by injuries. He has participated in only five games over the past two seasons, a number that seems generous given that he played merely three snaps this year.
The financial structure of Daniels’ contract allows the Dolphins to part ways with him without significant repercussions. If released before June 1, the team would incur a dead cap hit of $4.8 million but could save $114,000 against the salary cap for the upcoming season. This arrangement, likely made with the understanding of Daniels’ Achilles injury from the previous year, provides Miami an escape route after just one season.
Deciding whether to move on from Daniels involves more than just examining the financials and injury history. The Dolphins’ direction for next season remains uncertain. Should McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa be replaced as part of a comprehensive rebuild, retaining a veteran like Daniels could seem counterproductive. Conversely, if they remain in place, and a new general manager is brought in to revitalize the roster, keeping a relatively low-cost former starter like Daniels could prove beneficial. The Dolphins still lack a solid long-term solution at right guard, with Jonah Savaiinaea currently holding that position. While Cole Strange has recently shown promise, he is not yet viewed as a viable long-term starter.
Ultimately, Daniels’ future with the Dolphins hinges on the decisions made in the offseason. With the general manager who initially signed him already out of the picture, the fate of both Daniels and the coaching staff remains uncertain.
Additional Injury Updates
In addition to the news about Daniels, McDaniel provided an update on safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who missed the recent loss to the Bengals due to a calf injury. The coach expressed skepticism about Fitzpatrick’s availability for the upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, noting, “there’s a reason we haven’t shut him down.” If Fitzpatrick is unable to take the field against Tampa Bay, his final opportunity to play this season would be on the road against the New England Patriots. Given that the Dolphins are already out of playoff contention and cannot finish the season with a winning record, it seems unlikely that they would rush Fitzpatrick back unless he is fully fit.
As the Dolphins navigate through these injury challenges, the focus will undoubtedly shift to how they approach the offseason and what changes may be on the horizon for the team.
