The Miami Dolphins wrapped up the preseason winning against the Jacksonville Jaguars by a score of 14-6. The Dolphins will play the Indianapolis Colts in week one of the regular season without starting Kicker Jason Sanders and running back Jaylen Wright.
Miami Dolphins Key Injuries
The Miami Dolphins announced that week one of the regular season, they will be without running back Jaylen Wright and Kicker Jason Sanders. Jaylen Wright sustained a leg injury during a joint practice with the Jaguars. Head coach Mike McDaniel reported that Jaylen is not expected to play Week 1 but should return in the “foreseeable future.”
As for starting Kicker Jason Sanders, he will be sidelined for 4-5 weeks with a hip injury, which means a brief injured reserve stint could make sense for the veteran kicker. Mike McDaniel said the Dolphins will be having kicker tryouts. The free agents currently available on the market include Michael Badgley, Zane Gonzalez, Austin Seibert, Eddie Pineiro, Matt Prater, and Cade York.
The good injury news for the Dolphins is that McDaniel said starting right tackle Austin Jackson is on track to return for Week 1, and the coach also anticipates first-round rookie Kenneth Grant being ready to play in the opener.It is unclear if Jaylen Wright will need surgery. Regardless, if a procedure ends up taking place, a lengthy stint on the sidelines should not be expected.
Wright played sparingly as a rookie in 2024, but he could take on a larger role behind De’Von Achane. As for kicker Jason Sanders, he will not need surgery, but his presence is a significant loss for Miami. The 29-year-old is entering his eighth season with the Dolphins; he has yet to miss a game.
Miami Dolphins Looking Ahead
The Miami Dolphins are already facing injuries that could significantly impact their season, and the NFL season has not begun. The Dolphins did get a good look with rookie running back Ollie Gordon, who has a Derrick Henry-type style of running. He will get reps with now Wright out of the lineup.
Also, with Sanders out for 4-5 weeks, Miami has to hold kicker tryouts in place of him and sign a free agent to cover for him. It will be a tough road for the Miami Dolphins in the beginning of the season, it will be interesting to see how they adjust with key players out of the lineup.
