Dolphins Guard James Daniels Questionable With Ankle Injury Versus Colts

Miami Dolphins right guard James Daniels, the team's biggest free-agent signing, suffered an ankle injury during practice ahead of the 2025 season opener against the Indianapolis Colts, raising concerns about the Dolphins' offensive line depth. Despite missing some practice time and initially being questionable, Daniels was cleared to start and played in the season opener, with Kion Smith as his backup. The Dolphins are dealing with a challenging offseason marked by key player trades, including tight end Jonnu Smith, and a series of injuries that have put additional pressure on head coach Mike McDaniel, who is already under scrutiny after a losing 2024 season. Critics have highlighted issues with the team's leadership, roster management, and culture, noting general manager Chris Grier's struggles in building a stable offensive line and managing contracts effectively during his tenure. With McDaniel's job security in question, the Dolphins face a critical 2025 season amid ongoing instability and injury setbacks that threaten their competitiveness. Overall, Miami's difficulties underscore broader organizational challenges beyond just on-field performance.