Dolphins’ McDaniel discusses injuries, Meyer’s play, more heading into finale
Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks, who has a six-tackle lead over the Raiders’ Devin White for the league lead, has a hamstring injury but will work this week with the hope of playing in Sunday’s finale at New England (4:25 p.m., Fox).
At times, the Dolphins will sit an injured player to protect them from themselves. But McDaniel said Brooks has earned the right to decide his availability for the finale and he will play if he can.
“Every case is different,” McDaniel said. “It’s vitally important you have relationships so you know when to take charge protecting people from themselves and when a guy has a right to speak on his behalf.
“There’s not a player that has sacrificed himself more for this team and has had a career year. A captain who has their own self-interest but exhibits team-first priorities [can have a large say in their availability]. I’m confident he won’t put the team in a risky situation.”
The status of several other veteran Dolphins also remains in question for Sunday’s game.
Center Aaron Brewer missed Sunday’s game with a neck injury, ending his streak of 58 games in a row. He’s a to-be-determined for the Patriots game.
Receiver Jaylen Waddle left the game with a rib injury but returned to the game.
Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (calf) missed the past two games but McDaniel said he has not been ruled out for Sunday. “He doesn’t want to be shut down,” McDaniel said..
Outside linebacker Chop Robinson left in the third quarter and is in concussion protocol.
Linebacker K.J. Britt left the game with a groin injury.
McDaniel addressed other issues:
▪ He said quarterback Quinn Ewers “has the ability to get out of trouble with his quick release” and that’s one reason the coach had Ewers throw on third-and-11 deep in Miami’s territory in the first half. Ewers completed it to Julian Hill for a first down.
▪ Why was practice squad outside linebacker Derrick McLendon elevated for Sunday’s game but not active for game?
Brewer being ruled out Sunday morning was a big factor in that.
It was a “low-risk, high-reward for a game day active scenario that didn’t occur,” McDaniel said.
▪ What does he hope is the last impression the 2025 Dolphins make on Sunday in New England?
“You want to see guys who take pride in their football and... putting forth their best ball at the end of the season,” McDaniel said. “You want to play your best when your best in required.”
▪ Center Andrew Meyer, filling in for Brewer, did a great job, McDaniel said.
“He exemplifies what we’re trying to build with this coaching staff,” McDaniel said, noting the team has a specific plan for each young player.
“His center play was built after practice and Mondays during the season He exemplified how prepared he was. I was very confident in him making his first start and executing at a high level against a very good defensive line.
“I saw a guy the game is not too big for. I saw him make some difficult blocks and scenarios I’ve had starting centers not make.”
He said Meyer’s best August blocks came in games and not in practices.
Here are a bunch of Monday Dolphins nuggets and a draft update.
This story was originally published December 29, 2025 at 2:58 PM.
