While we know Waller is out, leaving the tight end group very thin, Daniels might still play as he is only questionable and not ruled out or listed as doubtful. But there are risks if Daniels doesn’t play or if he does. If Daniels doesn’t play it will hurt the team’s chances to win, but it could make a manageable injury worse and knock him out for an extended period of time.
You can bet with the best pay per head that how this plays out will be a major storyline for the Dolphins, however it swings.
Miami must block well to win
This offensive line will be key in notching a critical victory over the Colts and Daniels possible absence leaves a big concern for this Phins team. If neither Waller nor Daniels plays it will leave the offensive trenches thin. Currently, the Dolphins have only two tight ends in Tanner Connor and Julian Hill. Added to that thinness, we little depth on the offensive line interior.
This leaves Miami little room should another injury happen at the tight end group and maybe on the offensive line if Daniels is out.
The Colts aren’t a great team, but Miami is on the road, and they face a middle of the road defense that boast a very good front four. Second year edge player Laiatu Latu can stop the run and get after you, defensive tackle Grover Stewart isn’t a slouch, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner is one of the best in the league, and edge Kwity Paye is talented even though he hasn’t met up with his first-round selection yet.
I liked our matchups against Indy even with a quality defensive front, but if Daniels doesn’t play, then that means Kion Smith or Daneil Brunskill will step up in his place. Given Austin Jackson has been out for a while, sandwiching a less than stellar talent that he might not be totally familiar with could create problems.
Miami needs to score points and not let Tua get pressured all day
Poor blocking is the last thing McDaniel or Tua needs considering they likely face a high-pressure defense. The last time Tua faced Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo was in 2022, when the DC was with the Bengals. And we all remember the concussion Tua took that sent his season on a tailspin.
I’m not saying the same thing will happen, but Tua must be protected so he isn’t knocked around all day. And the loss of Daniels won’t help that out, if he does end of a scratch. If Daniels plays or not, he’ll be hampered coming of an Achillies injury on his right foot and also dealing with a sprained ankle on his left. One missed block could cost the Phins the game…or more.
How big is Hill and Connor’s performance going to be this week?!
Well, let’s see how this plays out. Phins win and this will be a nonstory.
If we lose because of poor play due to these injuries and it will be a bitter pill to swallow. But let’s stay positive and let this game play out.
