New Update Emerges on Miami Dolphins Injuries Before Week 2

Miami Dolphins Receive Both Good and Concerning Injury News

The most notable injury came to free-agent acquisition James Daniels, who left the game early in the first quarter with a pectoral issue. Daniels was signed in the offseason to solidify Miami’s interior line play, and his departure was immediately felt as the pocket collapsed repeatedly.

According to head coach Mike McDaniel, while Daniels’ injury is not season-ending, he is expected to miss a couple of weeks (h/t David Furones of the Sun Sentinel), which will ultimately leave the Dolphins shorthanded at a critical position.

Cornerback Storm Duck also left the contest after injuring his ankle late in the first half. Duck had been competing for rotational snaps in the secondary, and his absence further stretched a unit that was already struggling to contain Indianapolis. McDaniel confirmed that Duck will also be sidelined for a few weeks, adding more pressure to Miami’s depth in coverage.

Offensive tackle Austin Jackson, a key starter protecting Tagovailoa’s blindside, was forced to exit due to a toe injury that requires further evaluation. While the extent of his absence remains unclear, any time missed by Jackson would represent a major blow for a line already missing Daniels.

On the defensive front, nose tackle Benito Jones suffered an oblique injury during the second half and was forced out. McDaniel described his status as “week-to-week,” noting that he has not been ruled out for Sunday’s game but remains questionable. Jones’ power in the middle is crucial for stopping the run, and without him, Miami could struggle against New England’s ground attack.

What's Next for the Miami Dolphins?

Injuries to Daniels, Duck, Jackson, and Jones all came during a game where Miami’s physicality was tested. These setbacks could force the Dolphins to reset, with younger players likely pushed into bigger roles to make up for the void.

With Daniels and Duck out for a few weeks and Jackson still under assessment, Miami enters Sunday's game against New England with a significantly thinned roster—and shortly thereafter, a road test against the Buffalo Bills. The offensive line and secondary will need immediate stability, and the defense must compensate without Jones if he's not cleared.