MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — In a significant blow to the Miami Dolphins’ offensive line, right tackle Austin Jackson will be sidelined for the rest of the season due to a knee injury, which is expected to require surgery, as confirmed by head coach Mike McDaniel during a press conference on Tuesday.
Jackson was placed on injured reserve on Monday after missing the Dolphins’ impressive victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 10. Initially optimistic about the severity of Jackson’s condition, McDaniel indicated on Tuesday that the timeline for surgery means that Jackson will be unable to return this season, forcing the Dolphins to adapt their strategy moving forward.
However, McDaniel expressed optimism regarding Jackson’s future, stating he anticipates the tackle will be prepared to join the team for training camp next summer, emphasizing the team’s long-term outlook for the player.
This season, Jackson played a total of eight games for the Dolphins. After struggling with multiple injuries in 2022 and missing 15 games, he showed remarkable resilience and played in all but one game last season. His performance earned him a three-year, $36 million contract extension in December 2023, reflecting the team’s high expectations for his contribution.
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In another development, McDaniel confirmed that the Dolphins claimed linebacker Tyrel Dodson off waivers after he was released by the Seattle Seahawks on Monday. Dodson made a notable impact in his first season with Seattle, recording an impressive 71 tackles.
Prior to his time in Seattle, Dodson spent the first five years of his career with the Buffalo Bills, where he developed well-rounded skills that the Dolphins coaching staff is eager to utilize. McDaniel commented on the team’s interest in Dodson, noting, “It was a surprise that he was out there. [GM] Chris Grier is always trying to make the team better, and the more the merrier, in our opinion.”
As the Dolphins prepare to face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11, they will do so without starting cornerback Kendall Fuller, who left Monday night’s contest with a concussion. Given that this marks Fuller’s second concussion of the season, McDaniel decisively ruled him out for Sunday’s matchup against Las Vegas and mentioned that there is currently no established timeline for his return to action.
**Interview with Marcel Louis-Jacques on Austin Jackson’s Injury and Its Impact on the Miami Dolphins**
**Editor:** Today, we are joined by Marcel Louis-Jacques from ESPN, who has been covering the Miami Dolphins since 2021. Marcel, thank you for taking the time to speak with us.
**Marcel Louis-Jacques:** Thank you for having me!
**Editor:** Let’s get right into it. The news about Austin Jackson’s knee injury is significant for the Dolphins. Can you give us some context on how this loss will impact the team moving forward?
**Marcel Louis-Jacques:** Absolutely. Jackson has been a critical part of the offensive line this season. His absence means the Dolphins will need to make adjustments, particularly in protecting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Without Jackson, we might see some shifts in the lineup as they try to fill the gap, which could impact their offensive rhythm.
**Editor:** Coach Mike McDaniel mentioned that Jackson will require surgery and won’t be returning this season. What does this mean for the Dolphins’ playoff aspirations?
**Marcel Louis-Jacques:** It puts a bit of a wrench in their plans, to be honest. The Dolphins have shown promise this season, and losing a starter like Jackson is tough. They’ll need to rally and adapt quickly, especially with the playoffs approaching. It will be vital for the remaining linemen to step up and for the coaching staff to come up with effective strategies to support the offense.
**Editor:** We’ve seen the Dolphins put up some impressive performances, particularly against the Rams. Do you think this loss could also affect their momentum?
**Marcel Louis-Jacques:** Momentum can be fragile in the NFL. While they have been riding high after a great win, losing a key player can shake the confidence in the line. However, if they can band together and focus on execution, they might be able to maintain their momentum. It’s all about how they respond to this adversity now.
**Editor:** What can fans expect in the coming weeks in terms of adjustments to the roster or gameplay?
**Marcel Louis-Jacques:** Fans might see some shuffling along the offensive line. The Dolphins could promote from their practice squad or start players who have been waiting for their chance. As for gameplay, I expect the team will look to capitalize on quick passes to mitigate the pressure on Tua while they adapt to the new personnel.
**Editor:** Thanks for your insights, Marcel. It sounds like a challenging time for the Dolphins, but they have the talent to overcome this hurdle. We appreciate your expertise on this topic.
**Marcel Louis-Jacques:** Thank you! It’s going to be an interesting few weeks for the Dolphins, that’s for sure.