The Miami Dolphins are getting healthier and expect multiple players to make their return from injured reserve soon.
“We’re going to have a good collection of guys coming back,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel told reporters Monday. “We do have some time before those next week practices occur. In that time we’ll be settling some [practice] windows that could or could not open, but there will be some activity and so we look forward to getting some guys back healthy.”
While McDaniel didn’t name any specific players who are part of that “good collection,” there are a few obvious candidates. The Dolphins already welcomed right tackle Austin Jackson back to practice last week and expect to see right guard James Daniels, tight end Darren Waller, and kicker Jason Sanders all return to action sometime before the season ends.
Backup offensive linemen Andrew Meyer and Liam Eichenberg may also see action before the year is up.
The Dolphins are allowed to bring back as many as players from the injured reserve in a season. So far in 2025, rookie cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. is the only player who has made his return after an IR stint.
After losing both Daniels and Jackson in Week 1, the Dolphins have turned to Cole Strange and Larry Borom to start at right guard and right tackle, respectively. While the duo have found a bit of a groove after nearly two months of starts together, the Dolphins could use a boost on the right side.
Getting Waller back could also make a significant impact for the Miami offense, as Tua Tagovailoa’s weapons are limited after losing Tyreek Hill for the year. Wide receivers Jaylen Waddle and Malik Washington, and running back De’Von Achane are the only players on the team who have been targeted more than 20 times this season.
Prior to his injury, Waller caught four touchdown passes in as many games with the Dolphins.