The Miami Dolphins got a mixed injury update Friday, with head coach Jeff Hafley delivering a little relief on one side and more waiting on the other.
The clearest short-term boost is Jaylen Wright, who will be available to start after missing last week’s game with a foot injury. That’s the good part. The tougher part is that Caleb Douglas will miss his second straight game because of an ankle injury.
Hafley also left the door open for some movement from injured reserve next week, though he stopped short of saying anyone would definitely return. That group could matter, especially as Miami looks for reinforcements.
Kenneth Grant is the biggest name in that mix. He has not played a snap for the Dolphins this season, but Hafley said he is on track and could begin practicing next week. He wouldn’t guarantee it, but he sounded encouraged that the defensive tackle may finally be nearing his return.
If Grant gets back into the rotation, he would join a front that has been carried by Zack Sieler, Jordan Phillips, and Zeek Biggers. Adding another body there would give Miami more help up front.
Rookie Kyle Louis is also moving toward a return. His window could open as soon as next week, though Hafley made it clear there’s still caution there. Louis has missed the season to this point and remains behind in his development, but the Dolphins could use the depth.
One of the more interesting names to pop up Friday was Storm Duck. He missed all of training camp and the entire season with a knee injury after landing on the PUP list, and he showed up on the final injury report with a limited designation.
Even so, fans should not expect him to play this week. Hafley said the cornerback will sit out and be evaluated again next week.
The least encouraging update came on Trey Moore. Hafley said he is still hopeful Moore can return at some point this season, but that comeback is a long way off. The coach said he saw Moore in the training room Friday morning and that he "Looked good."
In Other News...
Dolphins Defense Is Getting Healthier As One Return Could Matter Most
The Dolphins are starting to get a little healthier on defense, and the timing matters as the season starts to settle in. Cornerback Storm Duck is back at practice as he works his way off the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list, while rookie defensive lineman Trey Moore remains on injured reserve with an ankle injury but is still expected back at some point this season.
Perhaps the most encouraging update comes with Kenneth Grant, who has been out since training camp with a foot and ankle injury. The defensive lineman is progressing well and could be close to a return to practice as early as Week 5, a development that could give Miami a needed boost up front if his recovery continues on schedule. [Read more 🡒]
Dolphins May Finally Be Seeing Hope From Two Young Linemen
After another loss to Kansas City dropped Miami to 0-3, the spotlight again landed on an offensive line that has spent much of the early season trying to settle itself. There were still mixed grades to sort through, but rookie left guard Kadyn Proctor and second-year right guard Jonah Savaiinaea gave the Dolphins something they have not had enough of lately: a couple of young linemen trending in the right direction.
Proctor, in particular, showed cleaner work in pass protection and even turned in a key block on a touchdown run, the kind of detail that tends to matter more as the games pile up. Miamis line also kept the Chiefs from recording a sack, which does not erase the bigger issues, but it does at least offer a small sign that the unit may be finding a foothold with two of its youngest pieces. [Read more 🡒]
Dolphins May Have A Tough Zach Sieler Decision Coming
The Dolphins have a decision looming with Zach Sieler, and it is the kind that can say a lot about where a team believes it stands. Sieler has been a steady part of Miamis defensive front in recent seasons, even if he has not gotten to the quarterback for a sack this year, and that track record is part of why he is drawing attention as the trade market begins to take shape.
Chicago is one team reportedly eyeing help on the defensive line as it tries to bolster its playoff push, which puts Miami in an awkward spot. Moving Sieler would mean giving up a dependable veteran and hoping the return in draft assets justifies it, while keeping him would signal the Dolphins still value depth and experience on a unit that could use both. The kind of offer that lands in the middle may end up being the real test. [Read more 🡒]