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 will start the regular season without Jason Sanders, who is out four to five weeks with a hip issue. The Dolphins will pursue a short-term replacement for place-kicking duties, with Jake Bailey handling a preseason FG attempt that sailed wide left. Week 1 at the Colts now hinges on a free-agent addition and how the kicking job shakes out, not just Sanders’ health.

Other notes: Jaylen Wright’s status murkiness complicates the backfield, Liam Eichenberg remains on PUP with no clear return timetable, and Austin Jackson is on track for Week 1. Darren Waller returns to ramp up with the Giants, Kenneth Grant is described as doing well, and the plan around Week 1 includes broader roster depth and special-teams flexibility.

Miami trims to 53 ahead of Week 1 with a sharp eye on offensive line depth. The five anchors — Patrick Paul, Jonah Savaiinaea, Aaron Brewer, James Daniels, and Austin Jackson — are set, but reserve tackles remain a concern behind them. Germain Ifedi and Yodny Cajuste are on IR, and Liam Eichenberg and Andrew Meyer likely start the season on the PUP list, leaving the unit thin and exposed.

With several reserves underwhelming in camp — notably Kion Smith, Ryan Hayes, and Jackson Carman — the Dolphins are expected to pursue a veteran tackle via trade or waivers. The Patriots could hold enticing options, though trades within the division are rare. Week 1 roster shape will hinge on quick, decisive moves after cuts on Monday and Tuesday.

Ultimately, depth at tackle and the ability to plug in immediate blockers will determine Week 1 outcomes and fantasy upside for the Dolphins’ invested players. Watch for a veteran addition that reshapes the line’s durability and run/pass balance.