JustinJoly

Sep 8

But rookie tight end Will Kacmarek also figures to play an important role for the run game, which is why the Dolphins spent a third-round

pick on the former Ohio University and Ohio State player. But Kacmarek continues to be slowed by an undisclosed injury and he was working with a trainer on one of the outside fields Monday while the team was going through its stretching period. This came after head coach Jeff Hafley indicated before practice that every player on the active roster would be practicing on this day and we don't know whether Kacmarek wound up doing any work at all. The best-case scenario involving Kacmarek obviously would be a quick and complete recovery and him being at 100 percent for the opener against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium, but the reality is he hasn't practiced since the preseason game against the New York Giants on August 22, more than two weeks ago. Under normal circumstances, missing a rookie third-round pick or having him at less than 100 percent wouldn't or shouldn't be a major deal, but it's not the case here. For one thing, Kacmarek's blocking ability stands out and made him a desirable commodity in the 2026 NFL draft. For another, he's the one tight end on the 53-man roster with clear blocking skills. Along with Kacmarek, the Dolphins tight ends are Greg Dulcich and rookies Seydou Traore and newcomer Justin Joly, all three considered receiving specialists. Kacmarek's injury, particularly if he winds up having to miss the game, will put more emphasis on the performance of fellow rookie DJ Herman, the college linebacker who shocked many observers by making the active roster as a fullback. The Dolphins are counting on their offensive line to lead the way for Achane, Ollie Gordon II and Jaylen Wright, but getting contributions from others on offense will be needed as well.

Sep 5

I very often question why teams move on from certain players and eventually always defer to them because they’re getting paid to evaluate players and I’m not. It’s why I always caution (and deal with the backlash from fans who think I’m overly negative) against expecting too much from a player that another team deemed good enough. While the Broncos waived Joly, the kept rookie seventh-round pick Dallen Bentley, so they clearly though Bentley was better. And it’s not like they suddenly realized that Joly was a receiving specialist and not a great blocker. The GM’s explanation that Joly suffered because he missed time in the offseason is a bit dubious too because you don’t risk lose a player you value for the long term because he got behind as a rookie. The best hope I can offer Dolphins fans when it comes to Joly is the Broncos are going for the Super Bowl this year and they didn’t think Joly could help them as much as Bentley in 2026. The Dolphins can afford to wait for Joly to develop because they clearly are not in win-now mode.