The Miami Dolphins’ offensive line depth will be tested early in the 2024 NFL season, as the team placed starting right tackle Austin Jackson on injured reserve Monday due to a knee injury. The move sidelines the fourth-year pro for at least the next four games, casting uncertainty on a unit that aimed for continuity after boosting Jackson’s contract in the previous offseason.
Jackson, who inked a 3-year, $36 million extension in December 2023 following an injury-plagued 2022 campaign, had started in all eight games for the Dolphins so far this season. While head coach Mike McDaniel doesn’t believe the knee issue is season-ending, the short-term IR stint deals a blow to Miami’s plans in the trenches.
Dolphins’ Contingency Plans at Tackle
With Jackson out of commission, the Dolphins are expected to turn to one of two options at right tackle:
- Kendall Lamm, a seasoned veteran who’s made spot starts for several teams in his career
- Patrick Paul, an intriguing rookie out of Houston who’s been waiting in the wings
The reshuffling up front is less than ideal for a Miami offense hoping to kick into high gear for a playoff push. “Any time you lose a starter, especially a guy like Austin who’s really grown in our system, it stings,” a team source told ESPN. “But we’ve got some hungry guys chomping at the bit for an opportunity. Time to see what they can do in the spotlight.”
Those hungry guys will be immediately put to the test against a formidable Rams defensive front, even if Aaron Donald and company haven’t quite hit their usual heights this year. Keeping Tua Tagovailoa clean and opening up running lanes take on greater import with Miami’s skill-position stars ailing or underperforming.
IR Trip a Familiar Refrain for Jackson
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time the Dolphins have had to get by without their high-upside tackle. Jackson missed a total of 15 games over the 2021 and 2022 seasons, testing the team’s contingencies while interrupting his development. Availability is turning into a recurring concern for the 24-year-old, who still has much to prove after being selected 18th overall in the 2020 draft.
“This process is hard, bro. We’re going to support Austin and make sure he attacks the rehab with the right mindset. He’ll be back when he’s back. Ain’t no time to sulk – next man up.”
– Dolphins team captain on Austin Jackson’s injury
The true impact of Jackson’s loss won’t be known until his replacement takes the field. But for a Miami squad with designs on a deep postseason foray, the margin for error is thinning by the week. With several other major injuries on both sides of the ball, coach McDaniel’s ability to adapt and fill the voids shall define the Dolphins’ 2024 fate.
Neither choice inspires supreme confidence, but McDaniel and his staff must work with the pieces at their disposal to weather Jackson’s absence. Pass protection becomes paramount with speedster Tyreek Hill also questionable for Monday night’s meeting with the Los Angeles Rams due to a wrist injury.
Offensive Line Shuffle Adds to Dolphins’ Concerns
The reshuffling up front is less than ideal for a Miami offense hoping to kick into high gear for a playoff push. “Any time you lose a starter, especially a guy like Austin who’s really grown in our system, it stings,” a team source told ESPN. “But we’ve got some hungry guys chomping at the bit for an opportunity. Time to see what they can do in the spotlight.”
Those hungry guys will be immediately put to the test against a formidable Rams defensive front, even if Aaron Donald and company haven’t quite hit their usual heights this year. Keeping Tua Tagovailoa clean and opening up running lanes take on greater import with Miami’s skill-position stars ailing or underperforming.
IR Trip a Familiar Refrain for Jackson
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time the Dolphins have had to get by without their high-upside tackle. Jackson missed a total of 15 games over the 2021 and 2022 seasons, testing the team’s contingencies while interrupting his development. Availability is turning into a recurring concern for the 24-year-old, who still has much to prove after being selected 18th overall in the 2020 draft.
“This process is hard, bro. We’re going to support Austin and make sure he attacks the rehab with the right mindset. He’ll be back when he’s back. Ain’t no time to sulk – next man up.”
– Dolphins team captain on Austin Jackson’s injury
The true impact of Jackson’s loss won’t be known until his replacement takes the field. But for a Miami squad with designs on a deep postseason foray, the margin for error is thinning by the week. With several other major injuries on both sides of the ball, coach McDaniel’s ability to adapt and fill the voids shall define the Dolphins’ 2024 fate.
Neither choice inspires supreme confidence, but McDaniel and his staff must work with the pieces at their disposal to weather Jackson’s absence. Pass protection becomes paramount with speedster Tyreek Hill also questionable for Monday night’s meeting with the Los Angeles Rams due to a wrist injury.
Offensive Line Shuffle Adds to Dolphins’ Concerns
The reshuffling up front is less than ideal for a Miami offense hoping to kick into high gear for a playoff push. “Any time you lose a starter, especially a guy like Austin who’s really grown in our system, it stings,” a team source told ESPN. “But we’ve got some hungry guys chomping at the bit for an opportunity. Time to see what they can do in the spotlight.”
Those hungry guys will be immediately put to the test against a formidable Rams defensive front, even if Aaron Donald and company haven’t quite hit their usual heights this year. Keeping Tua Tagovailoa clean and opening up running lanes take on greater import with Miami’s skill-position stars ailing or underperforming.
IR Trip a Familiar Refrain for Jackson
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time the Dolphins have had to get by without their high-upside tackle. Jackson missed a total of 15 games over the 2021 and 2022 seasons, testing the team’s contingencies while interrupting his development. Availability is turning into a recurring concern for the 24-year-old, who still has much to prove after being selected 18th overall in the 2020 draft.
“This process is hard, bro. We’re going to support Austin and make sure he attacks the rehab with the right mindset. He’ll be back when he’s back. Ain’t no time to sulk – next man up.”
– Dolphins team captain on Austin Jackson’s injury
The true impact of Jackson’s loss won’t be known until his replacement takes the field. But for a Miami squad with designs on a deep postseason foray, the margin for error is thinning by the week. With several other major injuries on both sides of the ball, coach McDaniel’s ability to adapt and fill the voids shall define the Dolphins’ 2024 fate.
