MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins could be activating starting right tackle Austin Jackson off injured reserve ahead of Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints, and an activation of tight end Darren Waller isn’t out of the question either.
Coach Mike McDaniel, speaking before Friday’s practice, said he needs to let the session play out before making any determinations on a potential Saturday activation for Jackson, who has been on IR since injuring a toe in the season opener Sept. 7.
“We have the day that we have to evaluate,” McDaniel said. “We’ll let (Friday) play out. If that occurs, we obviously have to do some roster moves, so we’ll take until (Saturday) through the evaluation, and if we have to do something, we still have some time to do that.”
Asked if he was optimistic about Jackson, he said he was.
That shouldn’t be surprising as Jackson was first designated for a return to practice Nov. 12 while the Dolphins were in Madrid. He had the practice week before the international game against the Washington Commanders and the ensuing bye before this week of practice.
For Waller to be activated Saturday would be a little more surprising, as he had his first practice back from his pectoral injury Wednesday, but McDaniel wasn’t ruling that possibility out Friday.
“He’s in play,” McDaniel said. “I’m an optimistic guy. We’ll see with how he feels (Friday), but if there’s not a setback, I’m optimistic.”
If Jackson is not activated Saturday for the Sunday game, he can still be brought back from IR early next week before his 21-day window expires. Waller has much more time in his window.
This story will be updated.

