Miami Dolphins’ Offensive Line Takes a Hit: RT Jackson Placed on IR, What This Means for the Team’s Depth

In Miami Gardens, the Dolphins have made some tough roster decisions. Starting right tackle Austin Jackson has been placed on injured reserve after hurting his toe in a recent loss to the Colts. This week, he joined another injured player on the sidelines: right guard James Daniels, who also landed on IR due to a pectoral injury.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel explained the difficulties of placing players on IR, noting that it’s an inexact science. He doesn’t want to risk cutting a player’s opportunities if they could return sooner than expected. Jackson had already missed significant training camp time with a toe issue, and it’s unclear if this is a new injury or an aggravated one.

While Jackson’s absence is felt, the Dolphins are preparing for their upcoming game against the New England Patriots. McDaniel confirmed that Larry Borom will step in for Jackson, and Kion Smith is expected to take over for Daniels. Miami also signed Cole Strange, a former first-round draft pick, from the Browns’ practice squad.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa acknowledged the challenge of playing without two starters. However, he emphasized the team’s ability to adapt. “It’s not the first time this has happened for us,” he said. “We trust the new guys to step in and get the job done.”

This mindset of resilience reflects a growing trend in the NFL, where the “next man up” philosophy is essential. According to a recent report from the NFL Players Association, player injuries have increased by 15% over the past five seasons, highlighting the need for depth in every team.

As the Dolphins navigate these changes, they continue to rely on their depth chart and the players’ adaptability to keep pushing forward. This resilience could define their season as they take on tough opponents, showing just how critical teamwork is in professional sports.

For more on injury statistics and trends in the NFL, you can check out the NFL Players Association’s comprehensive report here.

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