Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley revealed that Darrell Baker Jr, is dealing with a lower-body injury, leading to his being added to the PUP list.
The Miami Dolphins have two big injuries in the cornerback room, as both Storm Duck and Darrell Baker Jr. have landed on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list. Initially, head coach Jeff Hafley revealed both would be back at some point this season, but did not indicate when.
Duck suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2025, and that same injury appears to still be impacting him. Baker's injury remained undisclosed until now, as Hafley revealed that it is a lower-body issue.
Hafley did not add any additional details about what exactly the injury is, but it is bad enough that it will keep the cornerback out of action for multiple weeks and months.
During his media availability on Tuesday, Hafley stated that both Duck and Baker would be back at some point this season.
"They will be a little bit further off. They'll be further off down the road. At some point this season, I see them coming back," Hafley said.
Baker joined the Dolphins in 2026 after spending the past two seasons with the Tennessee Titans. He was expected to be one of the starters in the secondary, but will now be sidelined with a lower-body injury.
The injuries in the secondary could point to the Miami front office needing to make some news to bring in free agent talent but that has not happened just yet. Hafley and the coaching staff may want to see what they have in the building before that can happen.
Hafley Offers Update on Achane's Recovery
Another important player who has returned to practice is running back De'Von Achane. After undergoing shoulder surgery, Hafley said he is "good to go."
During Thursday's availability, the Dolphins head coach went a bit deeper into his recovery, stating the back would be brought along slowly.
"He just came back, so he has to build up his reps, just like everybody else ... we gotta gradually increase it and we'll do that throughout camp," Hafley said.
Achane figures to be a major component of the offense in 2025. Not only due to his 1,838 yards and 12 touchdowns from scrimmage, but due to the run game being a focal point.
Achane's performance in three seasons led to a four-year, $64 million extension, which now places the Dolphins back in the top three of highest paid at his position.
The Dolphins will need Achane to be fully healthy, and it appears that he is following his shoulder surgery. While he will be ramped up, he is in no danger to miss any time during the regular season.
