Dolphins’ McDaniel updates injuries, roster moves. And Gordon, Phillips fallout
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said the team is “preparing as though” linebacker Chop Robinson and cornerback Rasul Douglas will not play Sunday against visiting Buffalo, but he’s not totally ruling it out.
Neither player was seen during the media viewing portion of Friday’s practice.
Robinson is “progressing” through concussion protocol. But as of Friday, he hadn’t been cleared to do much on-field work. “With timing and where we are at, I’m preparing for him not to” play against the Bills, McDaniel said.
Douglas hasn’t practiced this week because of ankle and foot injuries.
McDaniel said he “is not shutting the door” on the possibility of Douglas playing “because he’s left zero question how bad he wants to play to his teammates.” Douglas, who played for the Bills the past two seasons, has been Miami’s best cornerback this season.
If Douglas cannot play, Ethan Bonner and Jason Marshall will get boundary cornerback snaps opposite Jack Jones, defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver suggested.
If Robinson cannot play, the Dolphins will have Bradley Chubb, Matthew Judon, Cam Goode and potentially Quinton Bell (who’s on the practice squad) and newcomer Andre Carter II to play outside linebacker.
Meanwhile, McDaniel ruled out receiver Dee Eskridge for Sunday’s game against Buffalo (1 p.m., CBS 4) because of a shoulder injury.
McDaniel said he’s “hopeful” that veteran safeties Ifeatu Melifonwu (thumb/foot) and Ashtyn Davis (quadriceps) can play on Sunday but said both have an “important day of practice” Friday to determine their availability for the Bills game.
Minkah Fitzpatrick, Dante Trader Jr. and Elijah Campbell are the only healthy safeties on 53.
McDaniel said players available need to be “honest” with the staff about their health because they will be needed for the entire game if they say they’re able to play.
On the Buffalo side, running back James Cook, who was limited in practice with an ankle injury this week, appears set to play vs. Miami.
Coach Sean McDermott said defensive end A.J. Epenesa and linebacker Shaq Thomas are out. Heavy-usage cornerbacks Taron Johnson and Christian Benford are among those questionable; both have groin injuries.
Roster move
McDaniel said the Dolphins waived tight end Tanner Conner after Thursday’s practice because they might need the spot on the 53-man roster for a different player. McDaniel declined to elaborate for competitive reasons; any transaction must be announced by 4 p.m. Saturday.
McDaniel said the Dolphins might bring back Conner, who had 12 receptions for 107 yards in 251 offensive snaps, appearing in 33 games and making one start. This season, he played 181 offensive snaps and had nine catches for 91 yards.
With Darren Waller on injured reserve, Conner’s departure leaves Miami with two tight ends on the 53-man roster: Julian Hill (who is dealing with an ankle injury) and Greg Dulcich.
Hayden Rucci (who has been elevated two of a maximum three permitted games) and Chris Myarick remain on the practice squad. Waller, who has a pectoral injury, is eligible to return from IR after two more games. The Dolphins did not announce a corresponding move to fill the roster spot.
▪ McDaniel said he had nothing to do with the Pop-A-Shot and card table being removed from the Dolphins locker room on Thursday. “It was not something I was told before it happened,” he said.
Defensive lineman Benito Jones said that was a player decision so that players could focus entirely on “the little things” in game preparation.
McDaniel on Kneeland
McDaniel was asked to discuss Dallas Cowboys player Marshawn Kneeland, who committed suicide early Wednesday morning at 24, according to authories.
“You don’t get scope of how someone is struggling internally until a tragedy occurs,” McDaniel said. “Don’t know him, but someone we had multiple discussions about in the draft process. The thing it brings to light is people are people and people looking from afar at people on a stage, you assume because you are watching them that you assume they don’t have normal people problems. It’s a tragedy when young people.. especially an early 20s.. human beings think that’s the only answer.... My heart goes out to everyone.”
Nearly a decade ago, McDaniel was diagnosed with depression and developed a psychological dependency on alcohol, it has been widely reported. In 2016, he voluntarily entered a three-week treatment facility, marking a turning point in his life and career.
This and that
▪ Dolphins rookie running back Ollie Gordon II was contrite about lashing out at running backs coach Eric Studesville in a heated exchange after Gordon was called for a tripping penalty against Baltimore. The penalty appeared to be a bad call.
“It was caught up in the heat of the moment,” Gordon said. “When you look at it, I was in the wrong. I probably should’ve said ‘yes, sir’ and kept on going about my business. … We didn’t have a fallout about that. We talked about it, and everything was good from there.”
Gordon said referees never gave him an explanation. “Kind of didn’t have my feet up under me and I slipped,” Gordon said Wednesday. “I don’t think I made contact with him, but if I did make contact with him, it was called. Can’t change the outcome of that.”
▪ After his trade to Philadelphia this week, former Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips told Eagles reporters: “I thought I was excited Day 1; talk to me now. This is literally the greatest thing that has happened to me in my whole life, probably. It’s just awesome. The guys are awesome; everybody’s been super welcoming. I love the environment here. I love the vibe here.”
Here’s my Thursday story with more on the Dolphins’ receiver situation and a lot of nuggets.
Here’s my Thursday story with more on Robinson’s future and a lot of nuggets.
This story was originally published November 7, 2025 at 12:01 PM.
