2 min read • September 09, 2020
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Tua Tagovailoa QB
Despite a significant injury history, we remain optimistic about the health of the new Dolphins quarterback. From the in-game posts on his dislocated hip before an official diagnosis was publicly released, to the surgical reports and then the numerous work out videos, no player was more chronicled, studied and followed. Often projected as the first overall pick before the 2019 season, we asserted that he should remain a top 10 pick, and Miami followed through by taking him with the 5th overall selection. His two ankle surgeries are hardly a concern in our eyes, and he is currently making great progress on his hip injury. While his hip is likely to be just shy of 100% and comes with risk of complications like long term degenerative arthritis, there are no indicators of other problems like avascular necrosis (loss of blood flow). He is moving well, and his hip should be little to no issue for the foreseeable future. What is more likely to affect his early career performance is the stunted offseason programs we’re seeing due to COVID-19. Tagovailoa was an outstandingly efficient passer at Alabama with a 69.3% completion rate and a 87-11 TD/INT ratio, two National Championship appearances in three years, and one title. However, it will take time for him to acclimate to the speed of the NFL and learn the offense. In the long term, Miami offensive coordinator Chan Gailey’s vertical spread schemes should take advantage of Tua’s mobility and deep accuracy, but for now Ryan Fitzpatrick will likely start the season due to his five years of experience in Gailey’s offense. Tua should be at full speed by the start of the season but teams are more likely to deploy a veteran especially under the restrictions of COVID-19.
Matt Breida RB
Matt Breida has played through a myriad of ankle, knee and shoulder issues the last two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. Despite the injury woes, Breida put up his best season in 2018, rushing for 814 yards and three touchdowns while playing in 14 games. He also caught 27 passes that season for 261 yards. Last year, the Georgia Southern alum played in 13 games, but was in the huddle for just 24% of the offensive snaps as his playing time was gradually reduced due to the emergence of Raheem Mostert. For those who follow my posts, you know I call Breida a "cyborg." I have never underestimated a player more. He has continued to play through injuries when I felt he could not. Now that he seems healthy, there is no reason for me, or anyone, to question his medical status. A new start with the Dolphins gives this 25-year-old running back a chance to turn in a big year.
Jordan Howard RB
Jordan Howard was on his way to a productive season when it was cut short last year with seven games to go. In Week 9, he suffered a stinger at the end of the game that caused numbness down his arm and effectively ended his season/Eagles career. In the three games before the injury, Howard averaged over four yards per carry. In Week 4 against Green Bay, he delivered a breakout game, rushing for 87 yards and 3 touchdowns on 15 carries. As we postulated last season, a nerve issue doesn't resolve in seconds or minutes but can linger for weeks or months. The good news is the issue should be behind him with only a small chance of recurrence. His new opportunity with the Miami Dolphins should start as a healthy one.
Jakeem Grant WR
Jakeem Grant had a high ankle sprain in Week 11 and finished the season on injured reserve. In 2018, Grant dealt with Achilles issues that hampered his ability to perform. Adding these injuries to lingering hamstring issues leaves Grant’s injury history chock full. In theory, he is healthy and ready to go, but it seems lower leg problems have mounted in recent years. Due to his return abilities (four career return touchdowns) the Dolphins entrusted him with a four year deal in 2019 but caution would be understandable in his case. He’s been a rotational contributor on offense, and brings speed to the table but has yet to become cemented as a featured weapon.
Preston Williams WR
After a good start to his rookie season, Preston Williams tore his left ACL in a Week 8 versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. Reports are that he is on track for a full return for 2020. Williams does have the experience of recovery after experiencing a right knee ACL tear in high school. We would suggest tempering the optimism as Williams has a lot to learn as a young receiver and typically the second year back after an ACL tear is the fully recovered season. In eight games, he had 32 receptions, 428 yards and three touchdowns and should build on this production as he faces limited competition for targets with Allen Hurns and Albert Wilson both opting out of the 2020 season.
IR/Opt-Out List
WR Albert Wilson
WR Allen Hurns
OLB Vince Biegel
DE Jonathan Ledbetter
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