Dolphins guard James Daniels is on IR for at least four weeks after Week 1, forcing interior-line shuffles. Cole Strange joins the 53-man roster, with Kion Smith stepping in Sunday and likely starting Week 6 vs. Chargers. Daniel Brunskill, Kendall Lamm, and Larry Borom provide veteran depth as Miami weighs immediate replacements.

Daniels’ absence tests Miami’s run and pass protection; the early-lottery option is Smith, who has limited starting experience. Strange Could stabilize the right side if he settles in; otherwise Brunskill or Lamm may be asked to anchor the interior while Miami hopes to hold the line until Daniels returns Week 6.

Dolphins Week 1 guard James Daniels is questionable with an ankle injury, leaving Miami to lean on depth behind him as Seattle faces DeForest Buckner’s Colts interior rush. Daniels’ three-year, $24M deal aimed to stabilize the line, but he hasn’t played since early last season after an Achilles tear. If Daniels sits, Kion Smith could debut as the starter, a tall test given his minimal NFL experience (70 snaps in 2023).

Options to replace Daniels include Daniel Brunskill, who carries guard-start experience and scheme familiarity, and Larry Borom, who could slide inside if needed. Liam Eichenberg remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list, narrowing the path for immediate backup help. This setup underscores how fragile NFL lines can be, especially against Buckner and a Colts defense eager to disrupt Sunday’s opener.

Miami fixes a thin early-season O-line by bringing back Kendall Lamm as a versatile swing tackle to backstop Armstead and the edges. Lamm started 15 games over 2023-24 when injuries arose, and his health remains the only caveat. MIA’s depth behind the starters now includes Borom, Smith, and Brunskill, with Paul, Savaiinaea, Brewer, Daniels and Jackson as reserves. Cam Smith moves to the non-football injury list and Rasul Douglas adds veteran CB depth. With Jason Sanders on IR, Riley Patterson is slated for the practice squad and three elevations in the first trio of games. Meyer is on IR and Eichenberg on PUP. The Dolphins emphasize depth-building to weather a tough early schedule.

Miami opens its preseason slate at Chicago with plenty of roster intrigue. Six areas stand out: fringe special teams players who can carve a spot, the battle for the Dolphins fifth receiver, an unsettled cornerback group, offensive line depth questions, backup QB opportunities, and veteran pushback for a roster spot. Expect rookies and fringe players to get meaningful reps as starters rest.

Key special-team contenders include Dee Eskridge and Cameron Goode, with undrafted options like Monaray Baldwin generating curiosity. The crowd for the fifth receiver spot features Eskridge, Tahj Washington, Theo Wease Jr., and Andrew Armstrong, plus others in camp. The cornerback room remains fluid after offseason changes, with Ethan Bonner and undrafted BJ Adams in the mix while Isaiah Johnson stays in the conversation.

On the line, Germain Ifedi, Daniel Brunskill, Josh Priebe, Addison West and swing-tackle contenders will get opportunities to prove depth behind the starters. Quinn Ewers will get reps behind Tua Tagovailoa, who may or may not see action, while the backup plan at quarterback remains unsettled. Veterans Cam Smith, Channing Tindall, Tanner Conner and Erik Ezukanma will be aiming to reaffirm their spots in a game where jobs are on the line.

The San Francisco 49ers face scrutiny after only drafting one offensive lineman in the 2025 draft, leading to speculation about potential free-agent acquisitions. General Manager John Lynch hinted at the possibility of adding depth to the offensive line without affecting the compensatory pick formula.

As the team assesses its needs, several free agent options emerge. Former 49er Daniel Brunskill could provide valuable versatility, while Germain Ifedi brings nine years of experience. Jedrick Wills, despite underperforming, offers first-round pedigree. Mark Glowinski's extensive experience could fill the gap left by Jon Feliciano's retirement. Lastly, Chris Hubbard, a familiar name to fans, could be welcomed back to bolster the depth chart.