The Miami Dolphins are heading into Week 16 with their playoff hopes officially off the table-and the team’s approach over the final stretch of the season now shifts from chasing wins to protecting the future. That starts with veteran safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who’s already been ruled out this week due to a calf injury. And frankly, that might need to be the end of his 2025 campaign.
There’s nothing left to play for in terms of postseason positioning. Pride and professionalism still matter, sure, but the Dolphins have to think bigger picture. Fitzpatrick’s a core piece of this defense, and risking further injury in a meaningless game doesn’t benefit anyone-not him, not the team, and certainly not the 2026 roster.
Head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed Friday that Fitzpatrick won’t suit up this week, and while he didn’t commit to shutting him down for the year, it’s a move Miami should strongly consider. With three games left and no playoff berth on the line, it’s time to prioritize health over hollow victories.
Protecting the Core
The Dolphins have already seen what happens when key players go down late in the year. Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb are fresh reminders of how late-season injuries can linger and derail the start of the following season. Those games may have mattered more in the standings, but the result is the same-two top-tier defenders potentially starting next year at less than 100%.
That’s the kind of scenario Miami needs to avoid with Fitzpatrick. He’s been banged up, and pushing through a calf issue now could lead to something far worse. The smart move is to get him healthy and ready for a bounce-back year in 2026.
Managing the Roster Wisely
This isn’t about waving the white flag. It’s about being strategic.
The Dolphins can’t bench everyone, but they can be selective. Players like De’Von Achane, who’ve shown flashes of brilliance this season, should be on managed reps.
There’s no need to run them into the ground in December.
At the same time, this is a prime opportunity to evaluate the depth chart. Let the younger guys get meaningful snaps.
See what they can do in real-game situations. That kind of live evaluation can be more valuable than anything you’ll learn in training camp.
Jordyn Brooks: A Question Mark
As for the rest of the injury report, McDaniel noted that all players participated in some form during Friday’s practice, which is encouraging-especially in the case of linebacker Jordyn Brooks. He’s been dealing with a knee and foot issue and hasn’t practiced this week, but he hasn’t been ruled out either.
If Brooks is close to returning, the team faces a similar decision: is it worth the risk? If he’s going to be a significant part of the defensive plans next year, preserving his health might be the better call.
Looking Ahead
No one in the Dolphins’ locker room is going to quit on the season. That’s not how NFL players operate.
But there’s a difference between competing and compromising the future. The front office and coaching staff need to keep that in mind over the final three weeks.
The Dolphins are in evaluation mode now. And that means protecting their stars, testing their depth, and making sure the 2026 season kicks off with a healthy, ready-to-roll roster. Fitzpatrick’s already on the shelf-he might need to stay there.