Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa: 'I trust the guys that are going to be in there.'

The Miami Dolphins are grappling with significant injuries along their offensive line, placing both starting right tackle Austin Jackson and right guard James Daniels on injured reserve.

Why it matters: These injuries come at a crucial time for the Dolphins as they seek to maintain their competitive edge in a tight AFC East.

• The loss of two starters creates immediate challenges for the offensive line, particularly in protecting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and establishing a solid running game.
• Both Jackson and Daniels were key components of a revamped offensive line aimed at enhancing the team's performance this season.

What’s new: The Dolphins have elevated several players from their practice squad to fill the gaps left by the injured starters.

• Larry Borom is expected to step in for Jackson, while Kion Smith will take over for Daniels.
• Additionally, kicker Riley Patterson and running back Jeff Wilson Jr. have been promoted to the active roster, indicating the team’s efforts to bolster its depth.

Yes, but: While the injuries are concerning, Tagovailoa remains optimistic about the backups stepping up.

• He stated, "That will be tough, but this isn't an instance where it's the first time it's happened for us... So I trust the guys that are going to be in there."
• This confidence from the starting quarterback may help mitigate some of the anxiety surrounding the offensive line's performance.

By the numbers: Jackson’s injury marks his second consecutive setback due to toe issues, which raises concerns about his durability moving forward.

• He missed most of training camp last year due to a previous toe injury, suggesting a worrying trend for the young tackle.

Between the lines: Head coach Mike McDaniel emphasized the importance of careful evaluation before placing players on IR.

• “What you don't want to do is put someone on IR and then find out a half week later that they could've been back two games before that,” he noted, highlighting the balance between short-term needs and long-term strategy.

What’s next: The Dolphins will need to adapt quickly as they prepare for upcoming games without their starting linemen.

• It will be critical for the coaching staff to devise strategies that can effectively compensate for the loss of Jackson and Daniels, focusing on quick passes and run schemes that minimize pressure on the makeshift offensive line.

The bottom line: As the Dolphins navigate these injuries, the performance of their backup linemen and adjustments made by the coaching staff will significantly influence the team's success in the coming weeks.