Injury Woes Plague Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins, with a current record of 1-2, are grappling with a disappointing start to the 2024 NFL season, significantly impacted by injuries to key players. The most notable absence is that of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who has been placed on injured reserve after suffering his third concussion in the league. This setback has not only raised concerns about Tagovailoa’s health but has also left the Dolphins without their starting signal-caller for the foreseeable future.
A Roster in Distress
Tagovailoa is not alone in facing injury challenges; the Dolphins currently have ten players on injured reserve and an additional four on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Among those on the PUP list is newly acquired wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who began training camp on the active/PUP list due to an undisclosed injury. After failing to participate during training camp, Beckham was placed on the reserve/PUP list, sidelining him for the first four games of the season.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel expressed optimism regarding Beckham’s potential return, stating, “I’m optimistic when his window opens up. We will see how his body responds. He hasn’t had the setbacks we made sure to avoid.” While the team hopes to have Beckham back soon, there remains a possibility that he may not be ready to return immediately after his four-week stint on the PUP list. If the Dolphins designate him for return after Week 4, they will open a 21-day practice window for him before he can be activated to the active roster. Given the team’s schedule, he could potentially make his return in Week 7, following a bye week in Week 6.
Struggles in the Receiving Corps
With Tagovailoa and Beckham out, the Dolphins’ wide receiver depth is being tested. Braxton Berrios has stepped in as the de facto WR3 but has seen limited action. He has only been on the field for 77 offensive snaps, accounting for approximately 37% of the team’s offensive plays, and has not recorded a single reception on four targets. Outside of star receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, the rest of the receiving corps has combined for just three receptions on 14 targets, totaling a mere 48 yards.
The absence of Beckham could not come at a more critical time for the Dolphins, as they look to navigate a tough start to the season. As they prepare for their next game, the hope is that their star wideout will soon be available to bolster a struggling offense that desperately needs his playmaking ability. With injuries piling up, the Dolphins are in dire need of reinforcements to turn their season around.