Sanders begins the season on injured reserve, with Riley Patterson called up to handle kicking duties. This change could affect Miami’s scoring efficiency and field-position dynamics in Week 1.

Sanders’ hip injury creates a late-draft Week 1 uncertainty for Miami. The Dolphins will search for a viable replacement, introducing volatility to a traditionally stable offense. Sanders’ absence would shift kicking value toward standby options in early-season lineups.

Sanders is on IR, leaving Miami without a Week 1 kicker and prompting four tryouts. His absence heightens the risk of missed opportunities in the short term, while the team evaluates options with a mix of distance and reliability credentials. The situation could push Miami to use a practice-squad kicker for up to three games before activation, a move that reshapes Week 1 expectations and fantasy upside in a high-scoring offense.

Sanders, seven seasons with Miami, placed on IR for at least four games. He went 37 of 41 in 2024 (long 57), with 116 consecutive games and an 187 of 221 FG career mark. His absence triggers a free-agent kicking market, affecting Miami’s Week 1 projections and on-field decision-making.

Kicker Jason Sanders is expected to miss 4-5 weeks at the start of the season, prompting the Dolphins to seek a replacement. Sanders’ absence creates a short-term risk for Dolphins’ scoring consistency and elevates speculation around a temporary or longer-term kicker addition.