The Phins depth chart isn’t the gospel, but it does say something
The Miami Dolphins have released their depth chart for their Week 1 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, and it offered both positive and interesting bits of news. We have to remember there is always gamesmanship in everything teams do, so take some of the placement of the players with a grain of salt. But they put it out for a reason, so let’s dig into what it offered.
Dolphins Finally Appear Healthy
Based on Mike McDaniel’s presser today there is real hope on the injury front that many players who had been hurt during the preseason will be available to kick off the 2025 Season. I’m not one to think this game against the Colts will be an easy out, so all hands-on deck is a big deal. Miami must notch this win, or they will start the year already in an uphill battle.
Health concerns surrounding key players like Austin Jackson, Devon Achane, rookie Kenneth Grant, Ashton Davis, Alec Ingold and Darren Waller were put to rest, for the most part. The great news is all are a go this week with only Davis’s availability in question. But even if Davis misses this week, he is close to returning. Either way, this is a much better window for return than what it appeared when Davis went down a few weeks ago.
As a fan, you can bet with the best pay per head that I love this for our chance to win this week! But I also don’t want anything getting in the way of Tua, McDaniel, and Weaver get a fair shot to prove they are the men for the job… or not.
Interesting Depth Chart Positioning
The depth chart also brought some interesting news on the positioning of the players.
Jason Marshall Jr. was listed as 3rd string, despite him being said to be the starting Nickel back. With the addition Rasul Douglas, it only made sense that he’d take some reps from the rookie. No harm in that. I fully expect Marshall to get a ton of starting reps this week, and you never know if this is Weaver trying to confuse the Colts offensive coordinators a little to give the kid an edge.
Another surprise was Kenneth Grant listed as 2nd string behind Benito Jones. Grant was talked leading up to the drafts up as a big guy who plays deep inside. But Grant is far more than that, and will be used more like Zach Sieler, who can play over the center and between the center and guard, but is far more useful playing farther outside. Rookie Jordan Phillips will back up Benito and Sieler and Grant will flank them. I’ve no doubt Grant will see a ton of starting reps, despite being listed as ‘2nd string’.
Waller the joke no more?
Darren Waller was a running joke for many this offseason. It really felt like he’d end up becoming another Odell Beckham, broken down quickly and tossed to the woodchip pile without doing much of anything. McDaniel said they were getting him ready for the season, not preseason. Maybe McDaniel wasn’t just wall papering over the ugly truth? Waller being listed as 1st string was great news, not that I expect him to be out there all day, but that he’ll be out there on key downs and making some impact for this team.
Maybe Waller is just one of many pleasant surprises for us fans this season?
Who knows?
What I do know is that the Phins must beat the Colts and that they are far healthier than it seemed they would be a few weeks ago.
That’s good news to me. Let’s hope there is far more to come!
