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James Daniels Suffers Pectoral Injury

Originally posted on Dolphins Talk | By Mike Oliva | Last updated Sep 7, 2025 2:42 PM ET

James Daniels Suffers Pectoral Injury

The biggest free agent acquisition for the Dolphins, James Daniels, didn’t last many plays before suffering an injury this season.

Early in the 1st quarter, Daniels had to leave the game with a Pectoral injury. His return is questionable.

In reality, if this injury is the least bit serious, he isn’t returning to this game, and his season may be over.

A pectoral injury takes months to recover from.

Daniels was questionable entering this game with an ankle injury, but did start the game and lasted a few plays before having to exit.

Injury Update | James Daniels has a pectoral injury and is questionable to return.

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 7, 2025

The Miami Dolphins signed guard James Daniels to a 3-year $24 million deal with $10.735 million guaranteed.

Daniels is a former first-round pick out of Iowa by the Chicago Bears. HE signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022.

Daniels has played in 90 games, starting 84. In 2024, he only played in 4 games as he tore his Achilles tendon in week 4 of the season. Per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the offer was made to Daniels after his medicals cleared, and he is expected to be able to do football drills this May or June.

In 2023, when Daniels started 15 games, PFF gave him a 62.1 overall grade, ranking him 39th out of 136 guards. A 60.4 pass-blocking grade, ranking 57 out of 136 guards. And a 60-run blocking grade, ranking 52nd out of 136 guards.

If Daniels is out for an extended period of time or for the rest of the season, Miami will lean on Kion Smith at guard until Liam Eichenberg returns.

The Dolphins may also look to bring back Isiah Wynn, or they may look to sign another offensive guard who is out there unsigned.

We will have more on this story as it develops once news breaks.

This article first appeared on Dolphins Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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