Key Highlights
- Dallas Waller will miss the next two games due to a strained pectoral muscle.
- Tua Tagovailoa will continue as the starting quarterback for Miami.
- The Dolphins are addressing issues with penalties and player engagement.
- Four players off injured reserve are not yet eligible to practice.
Dallas Waller Out Due to Injury, Tua Tagovailoa Remains Starter
Miami Dolphins tight end Dallas Waller will be sidelined for the next two games due to a strained pectoral muscle. The injury, which did not require surgery and was deemed non-season-ending after an MRI revealed it as a partial tear, means Waller is expected to miss matchups against the Atlanta Falcons (Sunday at 1 p.m., CBS) and Baltimore Ravens on October 30.
Coach Mike McDaniel expressed caution about Waller’s availability in next week’s games: “It would be living in hope to see him in next week’s games.”
Penalties and Player Engagement
The Miami Dolphins faced significant scrutiny following their loss against the Cleveland Browns, with head coach Mike McDaniel addressing concerns over player engagement. Despite claims that the team was not disinterested, McDaniel emphasized penalties as a major issue, stating, “That was an embarrassing effort,” after viewing the game tape.
McDaniel vowed to address these issues swiftly: “We need to fix things fast, starting with me.” He detailed changes in film watching tempo and direct communication with players post-game to correct several mistakes. McDaniel also indicated that he would allow backup quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Zach Wilson to compete for the No. 2 job this week.
Injured Reserve Update
Four Dolphins players—kicker Jason Sanders, offensive linemen James Daniels, Austin Jackson, and Andrew Meyer—who are now eligible to return from injured reserve, are still not practicing due to their rehabilitation status. Additionally, guard Liam Eichenberg, who was also eligible, is not yet healthy enough for practice.
McDaniel acknowledged the progress but remained focused on immediate improvements: “No words will make things better. We need to fix things fast.”
Future Outlook and Strategy
The Miami Dolphins face critical decisions regarding their quarterback rotation and overall team performance moving forward. Tua Tagovailoa, currently tied for the league lead in interceptions with 10, is set to continue as the starting quarterback against the Atlanta Falcons this week.
McDaniel expressed his commitment to improving the team’s defensive penalties: “I don’t have an opinion on the two teams in the game because we didn’t really participate in the game.” This statement underscores the team’s focus on internal improvement over external criticism. McDaniel also mentioned that discussions with owner Stephen Ross post-game did not align with expectations, but he remained committed to his coaching role.
