Injury Report Updates Released by the Miami Dolphins

As the Miami Dolphins push toward a critical stretch of the NFL season—with playoff seeding and an AFC East title on the line—the team released its latest injury report update this week, providing clarity on the health of key players and sparking conversations about how these developments might shape upcoming matchups. Unlike routine weekly reports that often include minor, day-to-day injuries, this update highlighted several notable changes: some players previously sidelined have returned to practice, while others have seen their status downgraded, raising concerns about depth in critical positions. For Dolphins fans, analysts, and even opponents like the Buffalo Bills, these updates aren’t just lists of names and injuries—they’re vital clues about the team’s readiness to compete in high-stakes games. Injury Report Updates Released by the Miami Dolphins breaks down the most impactful details from the report and what they mean for the team’s remaining season.

The most significant positive news in the injury report update is the return of running back Raheem Mostert to full practice. Mostert, who leads the Dolphins with 972 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns this season, missed last week’s practice with a hamstring strain and was listed as “questionable” for the team’s game against the Jets. However, the latest update notes that he participated in all drill sessions on Wednesday and Thursday, with head coach Mike McDaniel confirming that Mostert is “on track” to start in Week 17. “Raheem’s availability changes our entire offensive dynamic,” McDaniel said in a press conference. “He’s not just a rusher—his ability to catch passes out of the backfield keeps defenses honest.” The update also brought good news for the offensive line: right guard Robert Hunt, who has been dealing with a knee injury, returned to limited practice, a step forward after missing two games. These returns are critical for an offense that relies on balance between the run and pass, and they ease concerns about depth that emerged when backups struggled in Hunt’s absence. Injury Report Updates Released by the Miami Dolphins emphasizes that Mostert and Hunt’s progress is a major boost for a team aiming to secure a top-two AFC seed.

While the report included positive updates, it also delivered concerning news about the Dolphins’ secondary—specifically, cornerback Xavien Howard. Howard, a four-time Pro Bowler and the team’s top shutdown corner, was added to the injury report with a knee sprain suffered during last week’s win over the Jets. The update lists him as “limited” in practice, with no clear timeline for a full return. McDaniel declined to elaborate on the severity of the injury but noted that the team is “taking a cautious approach” to avoid a longer-term setback. Howard’s potential absence would be a significant blow to the Dolphins’ defense, which relies on his ability to cover opposing teams’ top wide receivers. This season, Howard has recorded 3 interceptions and 12 pass deflections, and he was a key factor in limiting Buffalo’s Stefon Diggs to just 4 catches in their earlier matchup. “Losing Xavien would force us to shuffle the secondary, and that takes time to adjust,” said Dolphins defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. The report also notes that backup cornerback Kader Kohou is dealing with a shoulder injury, further thinning depth in a unit already stretched thin by earlier injuries. Injury Report Updates Released by the Miami Dolphins underscores that Howard’s health will be a key storyline leading up to the team’s Week 18 showdown with the Bills.

The Miami Dolphins’ injury report update also shed light on the status of several special teams contributors—players often overlooked but critical to game outcomes. Punter Jake Bailey, who has been solid this season with a 45.2-yard average per punt, was listed as “full” in practice after missing last week’s session with a minor ankle injury. Bailey’s return ensures stability in the kicking game, which has been a strength for the Dolphins this season (they rank 8th in the NFL in net punting average). The update also confirmed that kicker Jason Sanders, who has made 87% of his field goal attempts, remains healthy and available. However, long snapper Blake Ferguson was added to the report with a wrist injury, listed as “limited.” While Ferguson’s injury is considered minor, long snappers are often irreplaceable—even a small mistake in snapping can lead to blocked kicks or missed field goals. The Miami Dolphins have already signed a practice squad long snapper as insurance, but McDaniel expressed confidence that Ferguson would be ready to play. “Special teams wins games, especially in the playoffs,” McDaniel said. “We’re making sure every position is covered, even if it’s one that doesn’t get a lot of attention.” Injury Report Updates Released by the Miami Dolphins highlights that special teams health, while less glamorous, is just as important as the status of star players.

Another notable detail in the Miami Dolphins’ injury report update is the status of tight end Durham Smythe, who has been dealing with a quadriceps injury since Week 15. The update lists him as “full” in practice, marking his first full participation since the injury. Smythe isn’t the Dolphins’ top tight end (that role belongs to Mike Gesicki), but he’s a key blocker in the run game and a reliable short-pass target in the red zone. This season, Smythe has 24 catches for 212 yards and 2 touchdowns, and his blocking has been instrumental in opening holes for Mostert and fellow running back Devon Achane. His return adds depth to a tight end group that was forced to rely on rookies when he was sidelined. “Durham’s blocking helps our entire offense,” said Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. “When he’s on the field, we can run more effectively, and that opens up the passing game for everyone else.” The Miami Dolphins’ offense has struggled at times without Smythe, particularly in short-yardage situations, so his return is a welcome development as the team prepares for tough run defenses like the Bills’ in Week 18. Injury Report Updates Released by the Miami Dolphins shows that even role players’ health can have a ripple effect on the entire offense.

Finally, the Miami Dolphins’ injury report update offers a broader look at the team’s overall health as it heads into the final weeks of the regular season—a critical factor for any team aiming to make a deep playoff run. While there are concerns (like Howard’s knee and Ferguson’s wrist), the majority of key players are either healthy or on track to return, a positive sign compared to other AFC contenders dealing with more significant injuries. McDaniel emphasized that the team’s medical staff has been “proactive” in managing injuries, using rest and targeted rehab to ensure players are at their best for the playoffs. “We’re not just thinking about Week 17 or 18—we’re thinking about January,” he said. For the Miami Dolphins, staying healthy isn’t just about winning the AFC East; it’s about having the depth and talent to compete with teams like the Chiefs and Ravens in the postseason. The injury report update, while just a snapshot in time, provides reassurance that the team is in a strong position to handle the challenges ahead—though Howard’s status will remain a wildcard. Injury Report Updates Released by the Miami Dolphins concludes that while no team is ever fully healthy this late in the season, the Dolphins’ latest report suggests they’re in a better spot than most to chase a Super Bowl berth. For fans, that’s the best news they could ask for as the season winds down.