Dolphins Welcome Back Austin Jackson but Face New Injury Woes
The Miami Dolphins are experiencing a mix of good news and concern as they navigate the complexities of their offensive line. Austin Jackson, a key player sidelined by an injury, is set to return to practice, yet his comeback is overshadowed by fresh injury worries concerning another lineman.
Austin Jackson Nears Return to Practice
During a press conference held from Madrid, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed that tackle Austin Jackson will begin practicing this week after being designated to return from injured reserve. While this is a positive development for a team looking to solidify its offensive front, it does not guarantee Jackson’s immediate activation to the 53-man roster in time for the upcoming game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
Jackson has been recovering from a toe injury he sustained in the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts—an injury that also limited his participation during most of training camp. Given that the Dolphins have a bye week following the Commanders game, it may be prudent for the team to allow Jackson an additional week to recuperate fully.
Alongside Jackson, the injury list still includes guard James Daniels and guard/center Andrew Meyer, both of whom remain on injured reserve. Additionally, Liam Eichenberg continues to be sidelined on the Physically Unable to Perform list, which has persisted since the start of training camp.
Impact of Injured Linemen
In Jackson’s absence, free-agent acquisition Larry Borom has stepped in at right tackle and performed admirably. However, the loss of James Daniels has arguably been more impactful. Since Daniels went down early in the opener against Indianapolis, the Dolphins have cycled through three different players at that position: Kion Smith, Daniel Brunskill, and former New England Patriots first-round pick Cole Strange. The disruption in the line has raised concerns about the unit’s overall effectiveness as they prepare for the upcoming matchups.
Aaron Brewer’s Injury Raises Alarm
Adding to the Dolphins’ concerns is the status of center Aaron Brewer, who was notably absent from Wednesday’s practice. Brewer played every snap during the Dolphins’ 30-13 victory against the Buffalo Bills but sustained an unspecified injury during that game. Earlier this season, he had already missed practice time due to a pec injury, but he has since been a fixture in the offensive lineup, participating in nearly all of Miami’s offensive snaps.
As the Dolphins prepare to face the Commanders, the health of their offensive line remains a focal point. With Jackson’s return on the horizon, the team hopes to bolster its protection for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa while managing the new challenges posed by Brewer’s injury. The stakes are high, and the Dolphins will need all hands on deck as they strive for success in the coming weeks.
