Dolphins' Trade Deadline Silence and Injury Updates

The Miami Dolphins opted for a quiet approach during the NFL trade deadline, making only one notable transaction. They traded edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to the Philadelphia Eagles for a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, as reported by the Miami Herald. This decision came amidst ongoing injury concerns, with head coach Mike McDaniel providing updates on the team's injury situation. According to McDaniel, outside linebacker Chop Robinson remains in the early stages of concussion protocol and is not expected to practice this week. He expressed uncertainty about Robinson's return, saying, "your guess is as good as mine." With Robinson's absence, the Dolphins have three healthy edge players available: Bradley Chubb, Matthew Judon, and Cameron Goode. The team also signed Andre Carter II from the Detroit Lions' practice squad to bolster their depth at the position.

In terms of other injuries, offensive linemen James Daniels, Andrew Meyer, and Austin Jackson, along with kicker Jason Sanders, are eligible to return from injured reserve but will not begin their practice window this week. Once they start practicing, Miami will have 21 days to activate them, according to the Miami Herald.

As the trade deadline approached, speculation surrounded other potential moves, particularly involving wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. The Phinsider reported that the Dolphins received multiple calls about Waddle, with teams like the Denver Broncos showing interest. However, Miami's asking price was steep, reportedly requiring a first-round pick or more, which deterred potential deals. This high asking price reflects the team's desire to retain key talent amid an uncertain season. The Dolphins fired general manager Chris Grier just days before the trade deadline, which some analysts believed could lead to more aggressive moves. However, the decision to only trade Phillips indicated a cautious approach as the team remains focused on its current strategy.

Overall, the Dolphins are navigating a challenging season with a 2-7 record, trailing behind division rivals like the 7-2 Patriots and 6-2 Bills. Despite the trade deadline's inactivity, the organization appears to be in a transitional phase, assessing its future direction while managing injuries and performance on the field. McDaniel emphasized that the team is committed to recovery and strategy as they prepare for their upcoming games, particularly against the Buffalo Bills. The silence at the trade deadline has left some wondering if Miami might regret not making more moves to accumulate draft capital and reshape their roster as they look to improve their standing in the competitive AFC East.