Kacmarek’s Return Could Be Critical vs Raiders
If the Phins want to win, the run game must drive them to victory
The Miami Dolphins appear increasingly likely to have rookie tight end Will Kacmarek available when they open the 2026 season Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. And his return could be much more important than his position on the depth chart suggests.
Kacmarek had been dealing with an undisclosed injury that initially left him considered week-to-week. However, the rookie returned Monday and was reportedly a full participant in practice, a very encouraging sign that he could be ready for Week 1.
For Miami, getting Kacmarek back isn’t simply about adding another tight end. It’s about getting perhaps the best blocking tight end on the roster back at a time when the Dolphins’ running game could be pivotal to beating Las Vegas.
Dolphins Success is Tied to the Run Game
Kacmarek’s blocking was a major reason Miami selected him in the third round. During training camp, the Dolphins repeatedly used him at the point of attack, and the team’s own reporting highlighted his ability to create running lanes both at the line of scrimmage and when blocking in space.
That’s something Miami’s other tight ends don’t necessarily provide. Greg Dulcich, Seydou Traore and recently acquired Justin Joly are much more receiving-oriented players, making Kacmarek the natural Y tight end when Miami wants to put some muscle on the field.
That could be particularly important Sunday.
Las Vegas allowed 132.4 rushing yards per game last season, 26th in the NFL, and reports out of Raiders camp indicate the run defense continued to look vulnerable during the preseason. Even Raiders-focused coverage has identified stopping De’Von Achane and Miami’s running game as one of the keys to Sunday’s game.
Miami should test it.
With Patrick Paul, Kadyn Proctor and Aaron Brewer giving Miami considerably more size and power on the left side, adding Kacmarek gives the Dolphins another legitimate blocking piece they can move around the formation.
Then there are Achane and Malik Willis.
Kacmarek’s Blocking Helps both of Miami’s Key Players
You can bet with the best pay per head that Achane can turn one crease into six points, while Willis’ running ability forces the backside defender to account for the quarterback rather than simply crashing toward the running back. That creates exactly the kind of conflicts Miami’s new offense should be looking to exploit.
The Dolphins don’t need Kacmarek to catch eight passes Sunday.
And against a Raiders defense that struggled against the run a year ago, getting their rookie blocking tight end healthy could be a much bigger deal than it initially appears.
Go Phins!!!
