Austin Jackson to miss weeks with injury

The Miami Dolphins' offensive line will be impacted as Austin Jackson misses weeks due to injury.

Dolphins offensive tackle Austin Jackson faces injury setback

Austin Jackson, the Miami Dolphins' offensive tackle, is set to miss several weeks following a lower leg injury sustained during practice. Coach Mike McDaniel confirmed that Jackson was "stepped on," but reassured fans that his condition is not expected to hinder his participation in the regular season. Drafted in the first round of 2020, Jackson signed a substantial three-year, $36 million contract extension in 2023. Though he previously missed nine games last season due to a meniscus injury, McDaniel emphasized the current injury is not connected to past issues. Notably, the Dolphins' offensive performance significantly dipped when Jackson was absent last year. In response to his injury, the team has signed veteran Germain Ifedi, a first-round pick from 2016, to bolster their offensive line as they prepare for the regular season.

The absence of Austin Jackson poses a significant challenge for the Dolphins, particularly given their struggles without him last season. Jackson's impact on the offensive line will be missed, as statistics suggest a marked decrease in both run and pass blocking efficiency during his absence. The team's response, by signing Germain Ifedi, indicates a proactive approach, but rebuilding chemistry and performance will take time. As the Dolphins gear up for their season opener against the Indianapolis Colts, all eyes will be on how the team compensates for a player pivotal to their strategy.

Highlights

The Dolphins must adapt quickly to ensure their offensive line holds strong as the season approaches.