MIAMI GARDENS — Cornerback Rasul Douglas (foot/ankle) doesn’t seem likely to play in Sunday’s game against Buffalo, according to coach Mike McDaniel, and the same is true for edge rusher Chop Robinson (concussion). If that’s the case the Dolphins’ defense, which is No. 24 in the league (343.7 yards per game), will be missing two projected starters, considering Robinson would probably take the spot vacated by Jaelan Phillips, who was traded to Philadelphia.
And the defensive injury situation could worsen depending on whether safeties Iffy Melinfonwu (thumb/foot) and Ashtyn Davis (quadricep) can play.
McDaniel said wide receiver/kickoff returner Dee Eskridge (shoulder) won’t play.
Douglas, the Dolphins’ most consistent cornerback, was injured in last week’s 28-6 loss to Baltimore.
Regarding Douglas, McDaniel said he’s preparing “as though he won’t” play but he’s leaving the door open. If Douglas can’t play it’s likely that Ethan Bonner starts in his place.
McDaniel said Robinson is in the same situation as Douglas from the standpoint “I’m prepared for him not to play, but not ruling it out” regarding the chance he does play.
It’s unclear who would start in Robinson’s place but it could be veteran Matthew Judon.
The Dolphins’ defense, of course, is tasked with limiting Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen, the league MVP, and running back James Cook, who attended Miami Central High School and is battling an ankle injury. Buffalo has defeated Miami in seven consecutive games.
The official injury report will be released around 4 p.m.
Tanner Conner might return, other moves could follow
Tight end Tanner Conner was released Thursday but McDaniel hinted Conner could return and there could be other roster moves coming.
“There’s a good chance he could come back,” McDaniel said before adding, “There’s a couple of things at play that we’re working on.”
McDaniel on Pop-A-Shot, card table removal
Dolphins players decided to remove the Pop-A-Shot arcade-style basketball game and a small table used mostly for card games from their locker room Thursday. Pop-A-Shot and the card table were popular gathering points and a few weeks ago players said neither was a distraction.
Apparently that opinion changed, but McDaniel said he wasn’t aware that the ping-pong table and card table were being removed. Head coaches rarely enter the locker room because it’s considered the players’ domain.
“It was not something that was told to me before it happened, and that’s their space, and they want it clean, and however they do that I’m cool with,” McDaniel said. “But it wasn’t really on my radar at all.”
The 2022 Dolphins had a pingpong table, removed it, brought it back and removed it again. They were 6-2 without the table in the locker room and 3-7 with the table in the locker room.
The Baltimore Ravens removed their pingpong table last week before blasting the Dolphins, 28-6.
Champ Kelly insight, endorsements
Offensive coordinator Frank Smith worked with interim general manager Champ Kelly while they were in Chicago (2015-17). Kelly was director of pro scouting and assistant director of player personnel. Smith was the tight ends coach.
Smith described Kelly as “high energy, great communicator, proactive, just a very great teammate. (He) wants to be a part of solving problems, so I have nothing but respect for him and I really enjoyed my team working before and the opportunity to work with him again.”
Smith said he saw general manager potential in Kelly.
“He’s always kind of displayed an ability to communicate very well,” Smith said, “A lot of times it’s just the communication especially in season, getting workouts in, getting to see different guys that are available, options of players that are out there. Yeah, I’ve always thought very highly of Champ (Kelly).”
Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver also spoke well of Kelly.
“I’ve known Champ for a few years now, kind of from afar and just in passing, and he’s (an) extremely knowledgeable, very personable guy,” Weaver said. “He takes his craft and his job very seriously.
“Another thing I love about him is he’s been great as a communicator. You know exactly what you’re going to get every day, he takes the gray out and yeah, so I think he’d do a good job if he were to get that job on a full-time basis.”
Dolphins terrible in turnover margin
McDaniel considers turnover margin one of the most telling statistics in the NFL. The Dolphins are minus-8 this season, 31st in the league. They have 15 giveaways (11 interceptions, four lost fumbles) and seven takeaways (one interception, six fumble recoveries).
The Dolphins are an eye-popping minus-18 in turnover margin in the McDaniel era. They were minus-7 in 2022 (tied for 29th), plus-2 in 2023 (tied for 12th), and minus-5 in 2024 (tied for 20th).
Special teams “Not Top 10”
Special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman produces a weekly video of infamy fashioned after an ESPN video feature. Call it incentive as well as a teaching tool.
“On Saturday nights I have what’s called a ‘Not Top 10’ that I show to the players,” Aukerman said. “It’s just, ‘Hey guys, this is the stuff that’s going on around the league. Don’t be on it.’ ”
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Aukerman and the special teams and video staff watch every special teams snap from every NFL game each week. They’ll alert Aukerman if they see something worth highlighting.
“If they see something when they are breaking down film, ‘Hey Craig, take a look at this, I think this would be a good thing for our players to look at,’ ” he said.
Unfortunately, the Dolphins could have been featured on the video list a few times this season.
This story will be updated.
