The Miami Dolphins have already ruled out two key players ahead of their Week 2 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Miami Dolphins are set to face off against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2, but they will do so without two key players.
Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley spoke to the media to reveal that both edge rusher Chop Robinson and linebacker Ronnie Harrison Jr. have already been ruled out for the game.
Robinson surprisingly appeared on the injury report Wednesday and had been limited in practice due to what was labeled as a concussion. Now, Hafley confirmed that the defender did suffer a concussion and that he is currently in the protocol.
"Chop did sustain a concussion during practice. He is in the protocol, and he will not play this week. He is doing well," Hafley said.
Considering Robinson had appeared on the report with a concussion, it was likely going to take a lot for him to play against the 49ers. The usual case for concussions is that players enter the protocol and have to pass certain benchmarks to take the field again.
Concussions can also take anywhere from a week and on to fully recover from, so suffering a hit to the head in this manner a few days before a game likely made Robinson's ability to play in Week 2 nearly impossible.
Hafley was also very direct about Harrison, as the linebacker also appeared on the injury report due to a hamstring. He also had the same ailment the week prior, but was able to heal in time to play against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Harrison may have aggravated his hamstring injury, and Hafley spoke directly about him missing Week 2.
"Ronnie will be out. Ronnie will not play this week," Hafley said.
The Dolphins losing two defenders is certainly going to make things difficult when facing the 49ers, who have a high-powered offense. Quarterback Brock Purdy, running back Christian McCaffrey, wide receiver Mike Evans, and more are what could lead to a difficult day for the Miami defense.
With Robinson now sidelined, this puts an even bigger damper on the team's pass rush.
In Week 1, the Dolphins failed to truly generate much pressure on Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins. This led to the Las Vegas offense being able to make life tough for Miami.
Now, they face an even bigger challenge in the 49ers, who showed their abilities when they handily beat the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1.
Prior to the Raiders game, the Dolphins also elevated Clelin Ferrell, and he will likely be elevated to the active roster yet again to give the defense some more pass rush help now that Robinson has been ruled out.
