MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins have placed right guard James Daniels on the injured reserve list due to a pectoral injury and signed guard Cole Strange, the 2022 first-round pick by the New England Patriots, to help with their offensive line injury problems.

The Strange acquisition was first reported by NFL Network, and announced by the Dolphins later in the day.

Daniels was the Dolphins’ biggest free agent acquisition during the offseason. He signed a three-year, $24 million contract after missing all but four games last season with Pittsburgh due to an right Achilles injury. Daniels was listed as questionable for Sunday’s season opener against Indianapolis due to a left ankle injury. Daniels’ acquisition was supposed to be part of an offensive line revamp that included drafting rookie guard Jonah Savaiinaea in the second round.

Strange (6 foot 5, 310 pounds), who attended Chattanooga, was the 29th pick of the 2022 draft. He was with New England for three seasons, starting 29 of 30 games, before signing with the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad in August after being released by the Patriots.

Late in the 2023 season, Strange sustained a torn patellar tendon in his left knee and was placed on the injured reserve list. He spent the first part of the 2024 season on the physically-unable-to-perform list before being activated on Dec. 10. He played in three games last season, making two starts.

Daniels sustained his pectoral injury in last Sunday’s 33-8 loss at Indianapolis and will miss this Sunday’s game against New England.

“It’s not season-ending,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Monday about Daniels’ ailment. “He won’t be available this week. It’ll be a couple of weeks, and we’re evaluating the timeline and if there’s any roster management.” 

Offensive linemen Kion Smith, who primarily played left tackle in training camp, filled in for Daniels against the Colts. The Dolphins also have practice squad options at guard with Josh Priebe and Braeden Daniels. 

The Dolphins could also be without right tackle Austin Jackson (toe) against the Patriots, meaning the right side of the offensive line, the ones who protect quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s blind side, could be new.

Originally Published: September 9, 2025 at 2:44 PM EDT