Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel indicated on Wednesday, November 26, that “all players on the active roster will participate in practice.”
The Dolphins were nearly injury-free in their last contest as only De’Von Achane and Juju Brents had to leave the game. Unfortunately for Brents, he was placed on Injured Reserve, meaning he’s not one of the players on the active roster who will participate in practice. Achane was able to re-enter the game after his injury and should be good to go for this upcoming Sunday.
Returning Dolphins Players
GettyDarren Waller
The two biggest names who have a chance of making their return to the Dolphins lineup are Darren Waller and Austin Jackson.
Waller suffered a pectoral injury in the first half of Week 7 against the Browns. He had previously missed time with a hip injury earlier in the season. The tight end, who retired in 2024, has only played in four games this season. In those four games, he’s been highly effective as he scored four touchdowns. Despite playing in just over 100 snaps this year he still ranks second on the Dolphins in receiving touchdowns. In the three games Waller started and finished the Dolphins have averaged 26 points per game, in the other eight games the Dolphins have averaged 18.5 points per game. His availability for Sunday remains in question as he just had his 21-day practice window opened up.
Jackson, on the other hand, has participated in only one game this season. He suffered a toe injury in Week 1, and was placed on Injured Reserve shortly thereafter. The veteran right tackle dealt with that injury all throughout the preseason, but decided to play through it in Week 1 before re-aggravating it. He was able to practice before the Dolphins Week 11 game against the Commanders, but the team opted not to elevate him to the active roster. While having his practice window opened up doesn’t make it a certainty, it does make it increasingly likely. Regarding Jackson’s return, fellow Dolphins’ teammate Patrick Paul said “It gives us a spark. He’s definitely a very loud and great leader for us, someone who’s very impactful in the game.”
Dolphins cornerback Rasul Douglas is also among the names who are set to practice this week. He went down with a toe injury in the Dolphins’ 28-6 loss against the Ravens on Thursday Night Football. The 31-year-old cornerback had been a bright spot for the team. He signed one week before the regular season, and emerged as a starting cornerback in Week 2 after Storm Duck went down with an injury in Miami’s season opener.
Dolphins Players Who Won’t return
While McDaniel’s update is positive news for the Miami Dolphins. Not everyone on the opening roster will suit up for the team again this year.
Star wide receiver Tyreek Hill is out for the remainder of the year after his Week 4 injury. Previously mentioned cornerback Storm Duck is also out for the remainder of the year. Duck missed time with an ankle injury earlier in the year, returned in Week 9, and then suffered a knee injury. Top free-agent addition James Daniels is still on Injured Reserve and Mike McDaniel gave a “disappointing” update regarding his future availability. Former All-Pro kicker Jason Sanders has also not returned from his hip injury, despite avoiding surgery before the season.
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