Miami's right side is in flux as Austin Jackson lands on IR and James Daniels joins him, forcing a reshaped O-line for at least four games. Borom steps in at right tackle with Kion Smith sliding to right guard; Strange, Brunskill or Lamm may inherit later opportunities. Waller remains in the lineup with a two-TE look, and Wilson Jr. plus Patterson get practice-squad elevations to stay ready. Cornell Armstrong moves up to fifth cornerback as Bonner sits, while Wright is doubtful and Waller stays active.

Depth and tempo become the x-factors: the Dolphins will lean on internal depth, situational protection schemes, and occasional run-game adjustments against a brutal early schedule (Patriots, Bills, Jets, Panthers). The earliest Jackson or Daniels could return is Week 6 vs Chargers, giving Miami a light at the end of the tunnel as Eichenberg works off PUP. Fantasy angles hinge on who seizes the opportunistic reps along the line and how the TE and RB options are deployed in the shift.

Miami’s James Daniels is active for the opener in Indianapolis, clearing the way for a full starting five on the O-line — Paul, Savaiinaea, Brewer, Daniels, and Jackson — after Daniels battled an ankle issue and Achilles rehab. Dee Eskridge cleared concussion protocol, while Darren Waller sits out, nudging the Dolphins into a two-TE look with Julian Hill and Tanner Conner as active options. De’Von Achane and rookie Ollie Gordon II are set to shoulder heavy workload with Wright sidelined; Jeff Wilson Jr. is available as a third back. Kicking duties move to Riley Patterson after Jason Sanders lands on IR. The Colts honor Jim Irsay with a Ring of Honor ceremony, drawing visiting star power like Manning and James while Reggie Wayne shares coaching duties. A sunny 68-degree day and an open roof add a touch of old-school NFL ambience to a game that could hinge on Miami’s offensive line play and backfield depth.

Riley Patterson steps in as Miami’s kicker after Jason Sanders hits IR, the first of up to three practice-squad elevations to fill the Week 1 gap at Indianapolis. Jeff Wilson Jr. slides into a bigger backfield role with Jaylen Wright sidelined, giving the Dolphins a steadier option behind Mostert. With Darren Waller out, Julian Hill and Tanner Conner are the two on the active TE depth chart, while Hayden Rucci and Greg Dulcich loom as potential roster moves to keep the offense versatile.

If Miami adds another tight end, Alec Ingold’s workload could shift and two-TE packages might dip, reshaping Week 1 attack plans at Lucas Oil Stadium. The key for fantasy managers is monitoring how the kicking, backfield, and TE usage evolve as final roster decisions loom before kickoff.

De’Von Achane returned to Dolphins practice and is expected to be active for Week 1 against Indianapolis, per Schefter. Achane’s 907 rushing yards, six rushing TDs and 78 receptions on 87 targets last season anchor Miami’s backfield, making him a near-DBL threat when healthy. His presence could sharpen the offense and ease workload pressure on fellow backs as the team opens the season.

With Achane back, Jeff Wilson Jr. and JaMycal Hasty are in the mix behind him, while rookie Ollie Gordon adds depth. The backfield’s Week 1 usage will influence fantasy lineups, with Achane likely handling primary duties if he clears early health checks and Wright’s leg situation remains limited.