For the first three weeks of the season, Monday has been a great day to be Dolphins fans. After yesterday’s abysmal performance in New England, the loss isn’t the only thing that hurts. The Dolphins have learned that they will be without Daniel Kilgore (torn tricep) for the rest of the season. Also, Bobby McCain will be sidelined 2-3 weeks with a knee injury (so much for faking, huh Bill)? So if you’re keeping track, the 3-1 Miami Dolphins injuries continue to pile up. Here is a look so far:
Devante Parker- 3 games missed
Reshad Jones- 2 games missed
Chase Allen- 1 game missed
William Hayes- 2 games missed (on IR)
Andre Branch- 1 game missed (will be out another 2 most likely)
Daniel Kilgore- 0 missed (will be put on IR for torn triceps)
Josh Sitton- 3 games missed (on IR)
For those keeping tally, the Dolphins are now without their starting LG, C for the season. They haven’t had Parker (shocking) for 3 of 4, our starting SS for 2 games, role players like Hayes, Allen and Branch, the depth is becoming depleted. So where do we go from here, other than “ON TO CINCINNATI“. Here is a look at the moves the Dolphins can make long term, as well as short term while these players are out, lets start with short term moves:
-  Ted Larsen to C, promote LG Issac Asiata to active roster: This move will work in the short term. Larsen can maintain center until Jake Brendel comes off IR. Asiata gets an opportunity to prove his worth as LG. I have a long term answer for this move as well, which will be coming.
- Start McTyer opposite Xavien Howard, dress Tankersley: This works in short term since Bobby McCain will be back in a few weeks. McTyer will be targeted a ton in the game against the Bengals, but Howard most likely will shadow AJ Green for this game. Tankersley, a surprise 3rd round pick last year who now can’t crack the lineup will need to play minimal role. Below is why:
- Move Minkah Fitzpatrick to Slot CB when Reshad is back: This move is a no brainer, right? This is how it was to begin the season. BUT if the Dolphins continue to keep Jones out until he is fully 100%, Maurice Smith should start next to TJ McDonald in the short term. Minkah is a great player and is versatile, putting him back in the slot helps the corners.
Long Term moves:
-  Trade Devante Parker: It’s time, get what you can for him. Whether it is a guard, center or another WR, the time is now to move on. I have always supported Parker, as many of us have (not you Mike), but not being able to play through multiple injuries throughout your career is troubling. His contract is also guaranteed next year for injury only. They can’t afford to have him tear something and be on the roster come March.
- Sign Free Agent Guard Luke Joeckel: He is 26. He will come cheap and is healthy. This move can’t hurt the team any more. He will add depth to the line, he has played T in college and to begin his NFL career. I am on board getting someone like this. If Joeckel plays well, he can be resigned on the cheap as well. He can’t be worse than other players we have!
- CUT DAVID FALES OR LUKE FALK: Why am I even typing this? In what universe does a team carry 4 damn QB’s? This move should’ve happened after week 1. We are wasting a valuable roster spot and we now need depth along the OL, DL, CB, LB, WR. Time to make changes. This one can help in the longer term for this season and beyond. Gase needs to stop wasting a spot with one of these 2 guys.
Like Mike and I said on the podcast last night, this isn’t a sky is falling article. The team is still 3-1, but the wound is opened and there is only gauze lying around. This team need sutures and stitches to stop the bleeding. These next 3 games are pivotal after a 3-0 start. If the Dolphins can go 2-1 in the next 3, 5-2 isn’t a bad start. The team will also get healthy over the course of these 3 games. But Adam Gase and the front office need to smarten up and make moves to benefit the depth chart on this team. It starts… now
@ternisse13
