Dolphins Facing Injury Predicament Ahead of Season Finale

Dolphins Facing Injury Predicament Ahead of Season Finale

Fortunately, the Miami Dolphins won’t really have anything at stake in Sunday’s game versus the New England Patriots, because they could be sans a lot of their most talented players on both sides of the ball.

It’s almost hard to believe how many of Miami’s top talents are nursing injuries ahead of its season finale. But offensive stud De’Von Achane, who’s been so effective as a dual threat all season long, is maybe the most notable name on the Dolphins’ injury report. He’s doubtful to suit up with a shoulder injury after he didn’t participate in practices on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Next on the list of offensive stars on Miami’s injury report is wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. He’s amassed 910 receiving yards on the season and is listed as questionable with a rib issue. Waddle suffered the injury in the first play of the Dolphins’ win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Moving to the less glamorous side of the ball, linebacker Jordyn Brooks, the NFL’s leader in both combined tackles and solo tackles, is another standout talent whose status for Sunday is up in the air. Along with Waddle, he’s questionable to play against quarterback Drake Maye and company as he deals with a hamstring injury.

Moreover, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick — the crowned jewel of the trade package Miami got in the deal that shipped tight end Jonnu Smith and cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers — has already been ruled out thanks to a calf injury. Fitzpatrick has played 14 games in his first campaign as a Dolphin, and he’s probably been the most consistently effective member of their secondary.

It remains to be seen how many of the four names mentioned will actually end up playing on Sunday, but it’s hard to believe Miami pulls out a win if most or all of them are sidelined.