Since starting 3-0 and taking down some of the AFC’s toughest contenders, the Dolphins have been on the receiving end of multiple deflating blows to their starting lineup. Losing your starting quarterback can be a backbreaker for most NFL teams, but to be shaved down to your 3rd-string, rookie signal-caller is another level of difficulty for first-year Head Coach Mike McDaniel. McDaniel has been honest since the Jets game ended in saying that he is truly unsure who will be under center for Sunday’s matchup with the 4-1 Minnesota Vikings. It does not appear that Tua will be ready for this week’s game as he has yet to return to football activity. At the same time, Bridgewater remains in concussion protocol as well following his controversial removal from the Jets game this past week. The preseason hype machine, Skylar Thompson, was thrust into game action and struggled as most would expect from a late-round rookie, but he could be in line for his first career start on Sunday. 

Unfortunately, the quarterback is not the only position where Miami has had its depth tested. Xavien Howard popped up on the injury report last week with a groin issue and did not play in the Jets game, while Byron Jones has yet to see the field this season as he works his way back from offseason surgery. This has led to undrafted rookie Kader Kohou lining up as the #1 corner on the outside, and even failed 1st-round pick Noah Igbinoghene saw snaps in week five, which is far from a positive development. There does not seem to be a clear timetable for Byron Jones’ return, but Miami does appear optimistic that Howard can suit up in week six as the Dolphins hope to have a chance at slowing down top wideout Justin Jefferson. 

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If Skylar Thompson is getting the start this week, he may need to pay extra close attention to his blindside as Left Tackle Terron Armstead is dealing with a toe injury that has seemingly lingered since he signed in Miami. He was another Dolphin forced out of the game against NYJ, leaving a massive hole on the left side of the line. Armstead has barely practiced all season due to his toe, and his status will likely remain in the air throughout the week. His absence would also negatively impact what is now an all-important run game that finally found some life last week, as Raheem Mostert was the first Dolphins back to go over 100 yards on the ground this season. Mostert has been solid so far in 2022 and appears to have the edge over Chase Edmonds in the backfield at the moment. Edmonds is utilized more in the passing attack, but he has been shaky between dropped passes and slippery fingers with the ball in his hands. I expect that we will continue to see a heavy dose of Mostert in week 6, though it remains to be seen what kind of holes the offensive line will be able to open for him. 

It could be a major understatement to say the Dolphins will have their work cut out for them. The Vikings are coming to town with many weapons, including Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson. If Miami keeps things close, they will need much better production out of their defense – specifically from the D-Line. For as much as Josh Boyer dials up the blitz, the defense has been putrid when it comes to putting pressure on opposing QBs or getting sacks. We will need to see Jaelen Phillips, Melvin Ingram, and Emmanuel Ogbah causing more disruption if they are going to hold Kirk Cousins and co.

We will pay close attention to the injury reports throughout the week as Miami hopes to return some of their most impactful players and avoid turning their stellar 3-0 start into a .500 record.