Caleb Douglas’ ankle is the big Dolphins question heading into Week 3, and Jeff Hafley didn’t have much to clear up on Monday.
Douglas left Miami’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the second half after his ankle appeared to get rolled up on during a block. He was later spotted in a walking boot, and the team still doesn’t have a firm read on how serious the injury is.
Hafley’s update to the media offered little beyond that uncertainty. The lack of detail leaves Miami in a holding pattern, and it strongly suggests Douglas could be in danger of missing this week’s matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs at Hard Rock Stadium.
The rookie finished Sunday with seven catches on 10 targets for 113 yards and five first downs. He has quickly become a meaningful part of the offense and has built a strong connection with quarterback Malik Willis. Against San Francisco, though, the 49ers kept him contained all afternoon.
That matters for a Dolphins receiving group that is already leaning on young players. Malik Washington had a solid day in the loss, while Ryan Miller made his mark late with Miami’s only touchdown. The unit has talent, but it is thin on experience, and Douglas’ absence would make that more obvious.
If Douglas is unable to play, Jalen Tolbert would almost certainly be elevated from the practice squad. Miami would also need Chris Bell to take on a much bigger role alongside Washington. Bell has just one catch on three targets for 25 yards, so there isn’t much proven production to lean on there.
Douglas’ game is built on quick cuts and sharp movement out of his breaks, which is exactly why an ankle injury is so concerning. Even if the issue turns out to be minor, it’s hard to picture him bouncing back quickly enough to be at full speed on Sunday.
Bobby Slowik will need to get to work on getting any replacement ready, because the Dolphins may have to navigate Week 3 without one of their most important young weapons.
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