Dolphins’ Austin Jackson reportedly out weeks with lower-extremity injury
Dolphins right tackle Austin Jackson, who missed the final nine games last season because of knee surgery, will miss “weeks” with a lower extremity injury, NFL Network reported Saturday.
Jackson, who was not spotted during Saturday’s practice, hopes to return by the Sept. 7 opener at Indianapolis.
“He got stepped on,” coach Mike McDaniel said Sunday, adding that it’s not related to the knee injury that cost him the second half of the 2024 season. Jackson’s “timetable doesn’t seem to be into the regular season.”
His loss is a concern because the Dolphins’ backup tackles have performed poorly during training camp.
Larry Borom, the team’s No. 3 tackle behind Jackson and starting left tackle Patrick Paul, has struggled in camp after allowing seven sacks for the Bears last season and 20 in the past four years.
Veteran Jackson Carman, who can play guard or tackle, would be another option to replace Jackson in the interim. Ryan Hayes, another backup tackle on the roster, has struggled during camp.
Kion Smith said he has been playing both tackle and guard in training camp; he would be another option to replace Jackson in the interim. Offensive linemen Jalen McKenzie and Braeden Daniels also are on the team but long shots to make the final roster.
New backup center/guard Daniel Brunskill said he can play tackle, but he also said that it wouldn’t be ideal.
Another backup tackle, Bayron Matos, hasn’t been spotted since being airlifted to Ryder Trauma Center after the team’s first practice. McDaniel hasn’t said if he will return to the NFL.
Liam Eichenberg - who can play guard, tackle and center - remains on the physically unable to perform list with a lower body injury. McDaniel hasn’t said if he will be back for the start of the regular season.
Jackson has missed 25 games over the past three seasons but generally has played well when healthy.
More injuries
▪ Linebacker Jaelan Phillips had his left knee examined by trainers after an injury in 11 on 11 drills and left Saturday’s practice early, but later said on social media that it was “just a bruise” after he was “leg whipped.”
▪ Receiver Dee Eskridge was carted off the field late in practice after grabbing his hamstring.
▪ Cornerback Cam Smith (compression sleeve on leg) and Jackson missed practice, as did safeties Ashtyn Davis (out long-term with a leg injury) and Dante Trader Jr. (expected back soon), tight end Jalin Conyers (out indefinitely with a leg injury) and Matos.
This story was originally published August 2, 2025 at 12:58 PM.
