The Miami Dolphins had their first true statement win of the season on Sunday, as they got the best of the Atlanta Falcons – in Atlanta – by a 34-10 margin, as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw for 4 touchdowns on what was easily the team’s best day of the season to date.
Whilst the offense was clearly in great shape, the defense should also be commended for allowing the Falcons just 213 total yards on the day and 11 total first downs as Anthony Weaver’s side of the ball made their mark.
However, the defense which has struggled with injuries since training camp – predominantly in the secondary – got yet another blow after the game.
Dolphins Lose Cornerback For The Rest Of The Season
Head coach Mike McDaniel, speaking on the Monday after the game, revealed that cornerback, Storm Duck would be out for the season with a knee injury.
“Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel tells reporters CB Storm Duck suffered season-ending knee injury in win over Falcons.” NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reported on Monday.
“Safety Ashtyn Davis & WR Dee Eskridge day-to-day with injuries. Short week TNF vs. Ravens makes it tougher challenge to play. S Minkah Fitzpatrick is good to go.”
This marks a year of terrible luck for the second year UDFA. After getting a shot to be the starting boundary corner, an impressive and rare feat for an undrafted free agent that had just come out of college 18 months prior, Duck suffered an ankle injury in the season-opener against the Indianapolis Colts.
This had kept the former Louisville product out of the team until week 8, and in his very first game back, he once again returns to IR and will have to wait till 2026 to hit the field once more in the regular season.
The Dolphins Secondary Continues Vast Injury Streak
Whilst the front seven has managed to stay remarkably healthy, as we approach the halfway mark of the season, the secondary has had a borderline historic run of bad luck.
Top cornerback, Kader Kohou and his backup, slot Artie Burns, both suffered year-ending knee injuries in training camp. Third nickel back, rookie Jason Marshall Jr., then also landed on IR three games into the season.
Meanwhile, along with Duck, all three starting safeties, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Ashtyn Davis and Minkah Fitzpatrick all picked up minor injuries over the past week, which were severe enough on Davis’ end to keep him out of week 8’s victory.
The good news for Miami is that Rasul Douglas has had somewhat of a career renaissance on the perimeter after a mediocre 2024 season, whilst fellow outside CB Jack Jones, has been very much serviceable alongside him.
Kendall Sheffield and JuJu Brents will fill in the backup role in Duck’s stead, but at this point of the season standing at 2-6 , there will likely not be much urgency to acquire another CB ahead of the trade deadline.
One would imagine, however, that the position will be top of the board for the Dolphins’ management come next April at the 2026 NFL Draft.
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