Dolphins vs. Panthers live updates: Phins up early after big Waller snag
The Miami Dolphins will take on the Carolina Panthers at 1 p.m. Sunday in Charlotte, North Carolina.
We are kicked off and underway, so keep it locked here.
Brooks continues solid season
Jordyn Brooks, who entered leading the league in tackles, had a sack on a third and short to torpedo Carolina’s possession at the end of the third quarter.
Brooks went to the fourth quarter with 10 tackles, by far the most on the team.
Dolphins get benefit of a call
It was pretty clear that Jack Jones tugged on Carolina receiver Tetairo McMillan’s jersey on what could have been a 30-yard catch on a 2nd and 9 midway through the third quarter.
But referees picked up the flag, instead of calling holding on Jones, a 15-yard penalty that would have given Carolina a first down. Carolina ended up punting.
“When hold that low on hip, often you get away with it,” Fox’s Mark Schlereth said. “No question that’s a hold.”
Dolphins run defense keeps struggling
After rushing for 73 yards on 10 carries in the first half, Carolina No. 2 running back Rico Dowdle burst free for a 53-yard run early in the third quarter. That raised his per carry average to 11.5 (11 for 126), which is even more stunning considering he entered averaging three yards per carry (28 for 83).
But Carolina was held to a field goal, thanks to Jalean Phillips’ third-down sack.
De’Von Achane skies for touchdown:
The tailback just did his best Tyreek Hill impression.
Achane skied for the catch over Panthers linebacker Trevin Williams to catch the 10-yard touchdown.
What a play! Dolphins up 10-0.
Bradley Chubb strip sack:
The announcer was literally just discussing how the Dolphins defense doesn’t force turnovers when Bradley Chubb burst through the Panthers offensive line and came face-to-face with Bryce Young who dropped the ball.
Chubb picked it up and rushed a few yards.
Darren Waller picks up right where he left off:
The Pro Bowl tight end started his Dolphins career with a bang as he snagged two touchdowns in his debut against the New York Jets.
One drive into the Panthers game, and it looks like Waller’s playmaker ability has yet to leave him. He snagged a 34-yard pass to put the Dolphins into the red zone. Miami would kick a field goal to put them up 3-0.
INACTIVES:
The Dolphins will be without cornerback Storm Duck (ankle) and wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. (knee).
Tailback Jaylen Wright surprisingly won’t suit up. It’s unclear if his inactive status is related to injury. Other inactives include defensive tackle Zeek Biggers and Quinn Ewers, who will serve as the emergency third quarterback.
It will also be their first game since Tyreek Hill sustained a season-ending knee injury Monday vs. the New York Jets. Expect everyone from Jaylen Waddle to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine to even Dee Eskridge and Tahj Washington to receive increased looks.
PREGAME READING:
- Here’s everything you need to know about the Week 5 Dolphins-Panthers game
- Kelly: No more excuses for these Dolphins. Either put out, or get out | Opinion
- ‘People need to be reminded.’ The Waddle-Tua connection to be spotlighted once again
- Dolphins receivers excited for new opportunities. And a Tua Tagovailoa update
- Dolphins vs. Panthers: who should I start in fantasy football?
- Dolphins Week 5 mailbag: How will the team fare without star WR Tyreek Hill?
This story was originally published October 5, 2025 at 11:34 AM.
