Waller ruled out. And more from final injury report and new cornerback Brents
The Dolphins ruled out tight end Darren Waller and listed guard James Daniels as questionable for Sunday’s opener at the Colts (1 p.m., CBS 4).
Besides Waller, cornerback Ethan Bonner (hamstring) and running back Jaylen Wright (knee) also are out.
Besides Daniels, receiver Dee Eskridge (concussion) also is questionable. Daniels did not practice on Friday, but Eskridge was a full participant.
Receiver Tyreek Hill (calf/oblique), running back De’Von Achane (calf) and safety Ashtyn Davis (calf) practiced fully on Friday and have no injury designation.
Daniels sustained a left ankle injury during Thursday’s practice and was not spotted in the locker room on Friday. The highly-regarded interior lineman — who sustained a torn right Achilles’ in Week 4 for the Steelers last season — is a key cog in a new-look Dolphins offensive line.
Kion Smith is listed as Daniels’ backup, but veteran Daniel Brunskill also is a starting option if Daniels cannot play.
Smith, who began his career at tackle but has played both tackle and guard the past two years, permitted three sacks and eight pressures in preseason, per Pro Football Focus. He has played 70 offensive snaps in the regular season, all in 2023. Brunskill, by contrast, has played 4619 career snaps at guard, center and tackle.
Waller, who is returning from a year in retirement, sustained a hip strain before Wednesday’s practice and it’s unknown when he will be able to play. His gait seemed normal in the Dolphins’ locker room on Friday, but he was unavailable to reporters because only players who practice can speak to the media.
The Dolphins have only two healthy tight ends on their 53-man roster: Julian Hill and Tanner Conner. They likely will need to create a roster spot for practice squad tight ends Greg Dulcich or Hayden Rucci.
By league rule, Miami can elevate two players off their practice squad for Sunday’s game. One will be kicker Riley Patterson, per general manager Chris Grier. The other elevation could be a running back (Jeff Wilson Jr. or JaMycal Hasty) or a tight end or a guard, with Braeden Daniels an option.
A position that isn’t supplemented through a practice squad elevation (running back or tight end and/or guard) could be filled by releasing a player off the 53-man roster or placing a player on injured reserve. McDaniel said placing cornerback Ethan Bonner (hamstring) or running back Jaylen Wright (leg) on injured reserve has not been discussed.
The Dolphins need to promote or elevate a running back from the practice squad because they have only two healthy running backs on the 53-man roster: Achane and rookie Ollie Gordon II.
Roster moves must be submitted to the league by 4 p.m. Saturday.
Brents weighs in
Cornerback JuJu Brents, who was the only player awarded to the Dolphins on waivers after roster cut-downs last week, said Friday that he was excited that Miami claimed him and appeared eager to return to his home town to play against his former team on Sunday.
Brent, a former second-round pick of the Colts, has missed 23 of a possible 34 games due to injuries. His size (6-3) and skill set appealed to the Dolphins.
After the Dolphins claimed him, Grier “reiterated he really liked me coming out of the draft,” Brents said. “He liked my talent, what I can bring to the team.”
His strengths?
“I’m physical and I know how to use my length,” he said. “I’m definitely physical at the line of scrimmage. I’m the ultimate competitor. There are not a lot of guys as big as me who play corner. When I get a chance to be able to tackle, make sure my presence is felt. Whenever the ball is in the air, try to make sure it’s my ball.”
Indianapolis drafted Brents 44th overall out of Kansas State — where he was an All-Big 12 selection during his final season (2022). He started eight of nine appearances for the Colts as a rookie, produced 43 tackles and made his only career interception in Week 6 against Jacksonville.
“I had a solid first year,” he said.
But Brents, 25, sustained a torn MCL and meniscus in last year’s season opener and appeared in just two games last season. The Colts waived him 12 days ago.
The 25-year-old Indianapolis native, who starred at an area high school (Warren Central), said returning to his hometown might “be a little emotional. But we’re there to play football.”
Asked if he has a chip on his shoulder as he returns to Indianapolis, he responded: “It’s like a boulder. It adds a little more fire, being in the position I’m in now. It’s crazy, going back there Week 1. I was there past 2 years. Grew up in Indy.”
Asked if his knowledge of the Colts offense can help his new team, he said: “Me being there for a while does bring a little tendencies. But they’re smart. They understand I know certain things [and they may do] some things I may not have seen.”
Per Pro Football Reference, Brents has permitted a 110.5 passer rating when targeted in his career — 38 completions in 58 targets for 550 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He had six interceptions in three years at Iowa and two at Kansas State.
Incidentally, his given name is Julius but “JuJu was something my mom gave me when I was a kid,” he said. “Principals, teachers, all my classmates, coaches it was always JuJu. When people call me by my first name, Julius, it kind of throws me off.”
This story was originally published September 5, 2025 at 3:45 PM.
