Posted on Sep 08

Dolphins' McDaniel on Daniels and Duck injuries: "They won't be available... a couple weeks."

Posted Sep 8, 2025

The Miami Dolphins are facing significant injury challenges following a disappointing 33-8 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in their season opener.

Why it matters: The Dolphins’ offensive and defensive line depth is being tested early in the season, which could have lasting implications for their performance against upcoming opponents.

Key injuries to players like James Daniels and Storm Duck may hinder the team's ability to establish a rhythm on both sides of the ball.
The Dolphins’ next matchup against the New England Patriots will be critical as they attempt to rebound without some of their starting players.

What’s new: Head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed that right guard James Daniels will miss at least a couple of weeks with a pectoral injury while cornerback Storm Duck is also sidelined due to an ankle injury.

Daniels had been expected to anchor the offensive line, making his absence particularly impactful given the need for stability in the trenches.
Duck's replacement, Rasul Douglas, will need to step up in a secondary that is already under pressure from opposing offenses.

Yes, but: There is hope within the organization regarding the recoveries of Daniels and Duck, as McDaniel noted that neither injury is season-ending.

“It looks like with James, it's not season-ending. He won't be available this week and looks to be a couple weeks,” McDaniel said.
This optimism suggests that the Dolphins may regain some lost power in their lineup sooner than expected.

What to watch: The performance of Kion Smith and Douglas in their respective starting roles will be crucial as the Dolphins adapt to the changes.

Smith, who filled in for Daniels, will face a formidable challenge against a strong Patriots defensive front.
Douglas must prove he can hold his own against high-caliber receivers, especially with the Patriots looking to exploit any weaknesses in the Dolphins’ secondary.

The bottom line: As Miami prepares for a pivotal game against the Patriots, the extent of these injuries and the effectiveness of their replacements will determine whether the team can turn around their initial misfortunes.

If Jackson, who also suffered a toe injury late in the Colts game, is unable to participate, the Dolphins' offensive strategy may need recalibrating to accommodate their reshuffled lineup.
With the stakes high in the early part of the season, the Dolphins will need to find ways to overcome adversity and build momentum heading into their next games.

Dolphins' McDaniel on Daniels and Duck injuries: "They won't be available... a couple weeks."

Alex Parker

Posted Sep 8, 2025

The Miami Dolphins are facing significant injury challenges following a disappointing 33-8 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in their season opener.

Why it matters: The Dolphins’ offensive and defensive line depth is being tested early in the season, which could have lasting implications for their performance against upcoming opponents.

Key injuries to players like James Daniels and Storm Duck may hinder the team's ability to establish a rhythm on both sides of the ball.

The Dolphins’ next matchup against the New England Patriots will be critical as they attempt to rebound without some of their starting players.

Daniels had been expected to anchor the offensive line, making his absence particularly impactful given the need for stability in the trenches.

Duck's replacement, Rasul Douglas, will need to step up in a secondary that is already under pressure from opposing offenses.

Yes, but: There is hope within the organization regarding the recoveries of Daniels and Duck, as McDaniel noted that neither injury is season-ending.

“It looks like with James, it's not season-ending. He won't be available this week and looks to be a couple weeks,” McDaniel said.

This optimism suggests that the Dolphins may regain some lost power in their lineup sooner than expected.

What to watch: The performance of Kion Smith and Douglas in their respective starting roles will be crucial as the Dolphins adapt to the changes.

Smith, who filled in for Daniels, will face a formidable challenge against a strong Patriots defensive front.

Douglas must prove he can hold his own against high-caliber receivers, especially with the Patriots looking to exploit any weaknesses in the Dolphins’ secondary.

If Jackson, who also suffered a toe injury late in the Colts game, is unable to participate, the Dolphins' offensive strategy may need recalibrating to accommodate their reshuffled lineup.

With the stakes high in the early part of the season, the Dolphins will need to find ways to overcome adversity and build momentum heading into their next games.