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.

Storm Duck exited Sunday’s opener with an ankle injury and is questionable to return, testing Miami’s revamped secondary early. Jack Jones started opposite him, while Rasul Douglas—signed recently—stepped in as the veteran fill-in. Miami’s defensive plans now hinge on Douglas and a young, growing group in 2025, shaping Week 1 fantasy outcomes for Dolphins DBs and Colts pass catchers.

Tyler Warren’s involvement for Indianapolis offered a glimmer of the Colts’ passing potential, and the evolving injury stories will be watched closely for fantasy lineups and streaming defenses as the week unfolds. The Dolphins’ depth chart change adds volatility, but also upside for opportunistic lineups.

Miami's secondary opens the season with questions, rotating safeties opposite Minkah Fitzpatrick as free-agent signees push for time. Davis is listed first but health and flux keep the depth chart unsettled, while Melifonwu recovers and earns snaps. On the outside, Storm Duck is expected to start, with Rasul Douglas’ signing adding immediate competition. Rookie Jason Marshall Jr. shows nickel potential, while multiple safeties can swap roles for versatility and misdirection in coverage.

Expect the Dolphins to lean on varied looks and interchangeability to slow Indianapolis. Mixing Fitzpatrick, Melifonwu, and Davis in different alignments alongside Duck and Marshall Jr. should create matchup advantages, aided by a pass rush that helps coverage time. The opener could hinge on how quickly the unit communicates and finishes plays rather than who officially starts.

Rasul Douglas signs with the Miami Dolphins, bringing veteran polish to a still-young cornerback room. He arrives mid-adaptation to a new defense but emphasizes lead-by-example leadership and communication, aiming to lift a group that includes players with under three years of pro experience. His arrival also strengthens a defense unit poised to grow alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick's steady presence in the back end.

With two high-profile divisional tests looming against Josh Allen and the Bills, Douglas’ addition matters beyond depth. A memory from Christmas Day 2022—Douglas intercepting Tua Tagovailoa to seal a Packers win—illustrates his ball skills and situational IQ. The Dolphins hope this veteran voice accelerates development and helps drive a playoff push this season.