The Miami Dolphins are entering the 2026 season with one of the healthiest teams they have had in what seems like a decade, or maybe more. Miami had just four players listed on their first injury report: Will Kacmarek, Dante Trader Jr., Seydou Traore, and Ronnie Harrison. All were full participants in practice the last two days.
That's the good news. The bad news is that the NFL only allows 48 of the 53-man roster to suit up on Sundays. It's an odd rule, but the Dolphins will have to adhere to it. They will need at least 5 players to be ruled inactive.
On Saturday, the Dolphins made the decision to elevate Clelin Ferrell from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. Ferrell should get some game action on Sunday against his former team.
Miami Dolphins inactive list heading into week one against the Las Vegas Raiders
It's just too soon for tight end Justin Joly
The Dolphins like what they see in the rookie tight end, but he has some developmental needs to go through first. He is 4th on the depth chart, and it is highly unlikely he will be active.
Jackson Woodard's solid preseason isn't enough, yet
Fans would agree that seeing Woodard on the field would be great, but there are four players in front of him on the depth chart covering both interior linebacker positions. If Woodard is active on Sunday, it means he brings a lot of value to the special teams unit.
Julius Wood will make Hafley's decision difficult
Wood was claimed off waivers from the Cowboys, much to the chagrin of their fans, who immediately knew someone was going to claim him. The Dolphins did, and he has the tools to be good in the league. Previously having played for the Titans in 2024, Wood is still developing...and buried on the depth chart.
Ryan Miller will suffer from the numbers game
Miami is carrying six receivers on their roster, but they won't need all of them. Ryan Miller is the most recent addition to the unit, and given the depth at the position, it's hard to see a path for him to be active when so many other needs are peppered across the roster.
Malik Herring will take a seat week one
The Dolphins added Herring on September 3rd, and this week he told the media that he is still adjusting to the new system. That's not a good indication that he will be active on Sunday, especially with Ferrell getting the call-up from the practice squad this week.
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