The Miami Dolphins may have a glaring right tackle problem, which could force a major change on the offensive line.
Miami Dolphins right tackle Austin Jackson is currently dealing with a minor injury, but one that led to his being pulled from practice. Head coach Jeff Hafley called him "day-to-day," but the incident is one that the team has dealt with over the past two years.
Jackson is a strong tackle when on the field, but the issue is that he has had trouble staying on the field. A foot injury knocked him out for most of the 2025 season, and he has appeared in 14 games over the past two seasons.
This latest injury may not sound significant, but it does present a bigger problem on the right side of the line. Depth has always been an issue and backup right tackle Charlie Heck had his hands full with the Dolphins' pass rush, which may force the team to make a change.
Most of Miami's coaching staff offered "coach speak" when it came to the right side, as Hafley said the loss of Jackson forces the team to "evaluate the right side" even more.
Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik had a bit more of a realistic response to the right side's issues.
"A lot of times you don't really want to move a starter if you can help it because they're banking all the reps that you want at certain spots, but you really, when you get in season, you need to be fluid," Slowik said.
Regardless of what the plan is, the Dolphins' starting five could be in jeopardy, especially if there is no plan in place if Jackson cannot remain healthy.
The logical choice could be to use rookie left guard Kadyn Proctor on the right side, as his natural collegiate position is at tackle. However, Hafley and the coaching staff are determined to keep him as an oversized guard on the left alongside left tackle Patrick Paul.
Another option could be to move Jonah Savaiinaea to the right tackle position, which may sound strange, but he did play the position in college. He is also seemingly far more comfortable on the right, so that could be the way to go.
Depth has remained an issue for the Dolphins, and Heck's struggles with the pass rush in absence of Jackson proved that plenty.
Another option could be Jamaree Salyer, who was slated to be a lineman to watch for a potential starting role, but he is also dealing with an injury of his own.
Whatever happens needs to happen now, so the Miami offense is not struggling when it's game time and they have no contingency plan in place for Jackson. Again, Hafley did indicate that he is dealing with a minor issue, but being injured this close to the start of the regular season is never good, especially for the right tackle.
Having a solid offensive line is important for every NFL team, but especially for teams like the Dolphins, who will be leaning heavily on the run game. De'Von Achane figures to be a huge part of the offense, and run lanes need ot be opened.
Jackson needs to stay healthy, or the Dolphins need to operate in a manner in which they slowly move him out for another more solid plan.
