Miami Dolphins Injury Update and Team News Ahead of Sunday’s Game vs. Buffalo
Defensive Injuries Cloud Dolphins’ Upcoming Matchup
Miami Dolphins cornerback Rasul Douglas (foot/ankle) appears unlikely to play in Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills, according to head coach Mike McDaniel. Edge rusher Chop Robinson (concussion) is also expected to miss the game. Both players are projected starters, with Robinson expected to fill the role left by Jaelan Phillips, who was traded to Philadelphia.
The Dolphins’ defense, currently ranked 24th in the league, allowing 343.7 yards per game, could face further challenges depending on the availability of safeties Iffy Melifonwu (thumb/foot) and Ashtyn Davis (quadricep). Additionally, wide receiver and kickoff returner Dee Eskridge (shoulder) is confirmed out for the game.
Douglas, the Dolphins’ most consistent cornerback, sustained his injury during last week’s 28-6 loss to Baltimore. Coach McDaniel said he is preparing “as though he won’t” play but left the door open for a possible return. Should Douglas be sidelined, Ethan Bonner is likely to start in his place.
Similarly, McDaniel noted Robinson is in the same uncertain situation. While “prepared for him not to play,” the coach is not ruling out his participation. If Robinson cannot suit up, veteran Matthew Judon might step into the lineup.
Dolphins’ Defense Faces Tough Test Against Bills
Miami’s defense must contain Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen, the reigning league MVP, and running back James Cook—who attended Miami Central High School and is currently dealing with an ankle injury. The Bills have beaten the Dolphins in seven consecutive games, making Sunday’s contest a critical challenge for Miami.
Tanner Conner May Return Amid Roster Moves
Tight end Tanner Conner was released on Thursday; however, McDaniel hinted there is a strong chance Conner could rejoin the team. “There’s a couple of things at play that we’re working on,” McDaniel stated, suggesting additional roster moves may be forthcoming.
Players Remove Pop-A-Shot and Card Table from Locker Room
On Thursday, Dolphins players decided to remove the Pop-A-Shot arcade-style basketball game and a small card table from their locker room. These had previously been popular gathering spots, and just a few weeks ago, players did not see them as distractions. The shift in opinion led to their removal.
Coach McDaniel was not made aware of this decision beforehand, noting that the locker room is considered the players’ domain. “It was not something that was told to me before it happened, and that’s their space… However they do that, I’m cool with it,” McDaniel explained.
Interestingly, the 2022 Dolphins experienced a rollercoaster relationship with their ping pong table, removing it twice during the season. The team posted a 6-2 record without it in the locker room and 3-7 with it. Coincidentally, last week the Baltimore Ravens also removed their ping pong table before defeating Miami 28-6.
Organizational Insights and Performance Metrics
Champ Kelly Earns High Praise from Dolphins Staff
Offensive coordinator Frank Smith, who previously worked alongside interim general manager Champ Kelly in Chicago (2015-17), spoke highly of Kelly’s leadership and communication skills. Kelly served as director of pro scouting and assistant director of player personnel, while Smith was the tight ends coach.
Smith described Kelly as “high energy, great communicator, proactive, just a very great teammate,” adding, “he wants to be a part of solving problems.” Smith also sees strong potential in Kelly for a full-time general manager role, highlighting his excellent communication and proactive approach.
Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver echoed this sentiment, calling Kelly “extremely knowledgeable” and “very personable.” Weaver praised Kelly’s consistency and transparency, saying “you know exactly what you’re going to get every day.” Both coaches believe Kelly would excel if appointed GM permanently.
Dolphins Struggle Significantly with Turnover Margin
Coach McDaniel regards turnover margin as one of the most telling NFL statistics. The Dolphins currently hold a minus-8 turnover margin, ranking 31st league-wide. They have committed 15 giveaways—including 11 interceptions and four lost fumbles—while generating only seven takeaways (one interception and six fumble recoveries).
Under McDaniel’s tenure, the turnover margin has been particularly troubling: minus-18 overall. The Dolphins were minus-7 in 2022 (tied 29th), improved to plus-2 in 2023 (tied 12th), and are presently minus-5 in the 2024 season (tied 20th).
Special Teams Coordinator Uses ‘Not Top 10’ Video as Teaching Tool
Special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman produces a weekly “Not Top 10” video featuring notable special teams errors from around the league. This serves both as a form of incentive and a teaching aid to encourage the Dolphins players to avoid similar mistakes.
“On Saturday nights I have what’s called a ‘Not Top 10’ that I show to the players,” Aukerman explained. “It’s just, ‘Hey guys, this is the stuff that’s going on around the league. Don’t be on it.’”
Aukerman and his staff review every special teams snap from each NFL game. If they identify mistakes worthy of highlighting, they include them in these videos. Unfortunately, the Dolphins have appeared multiple times in these segments this season, signaling room for improvement.
Looking Ahead
As the Dolphins prepare to face a strong Bills team without key defensive starters, the injury situation and recent roster developments add to the uncertainty surrounding Sunday’s game. Meanwhile, efforts to improve communication, reduce turnovers, and tighten special teams performance remain priorities for Miami’s staff and players alike.