Dolphins’ Hafley addresses injuries, Grant status and notable message to team

Miami Dolphins admin October 5, 2026 0 Comments

Dolphins’ Hafley addresses injuries, Grant status and notable message to team

Former Dolphins first-round pick Kenneth Grant will return to practice on Wednesday, as he makes his way back from an undisclosed lower-body injury that has sidelined him for the first four games.

Grant is eligible to come off injured reserve and play as early as next Sunday against visiting Cincinnati (1 p.m., Fox). Whether he will play will depend on how practice goes this week.

Once the second-year defensive lineman practices Wednesday, the Dolphins will have 21 days to activate him off injured reserve.

“I’m excited to see where he’s at,” Hafley said.

Safety Dante Trader Jr. left in the second quarter with a knee injury, returned in the fourth but is not fully healthy. Hafley said he’s “day to day.”

Hafley was non-committal about whether receiver Caleb Douglas would return to practice this week after missing two games with an ankle injury. “We’ll see,” Hafley said. “I would not rule him out” for next Sunday.

Cornerback Reese Taylor, who left for good in the second quarter with a quadriceps injury, is likely out this week.

Hafley addressed other issues:

▪ The Dolphins have four touchdowns in four games. Asked if they need more from Malik Willis, he said: “It falls on everybody,” noting Miami had only 38 offensive plays.

“We need more opportunities. There were more plays there…. Some missed opportunities, to be honest with you. That’s on everybody.”

▪ Hafley made this interesting remark: “I told them this will be a tough journey…. If you’re not up for it, go to Sully [general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan].”

Hafley said one priority this season is finding out “who we can trust” and guys “we want around.” The only way to find that out, he said, “is go through adversity together. I do believe we have the right guys, more or less, who will help us get to that point.”

▪ He had no issue with Malik Washington fielding a punt at Miami’s 3 yard line early in the game. Washington fumbled but the Dolphins recovered.

▪ On how cornerback Chris Johnson played: “The last two weeks, he has shown me a lot. We used him inside a lot. I think he’s got a chance to be a really good nickel. And he plays outside for us too. He’s really physical with wideouts.

“They tried to attack us on the perimeter quite a bit, and he made some really good tackles. He did a good job in man coverage yesterday. He has the ability to play in zones. He has the ability to do both, and I’m pleased where he’s at right now.”

▪ On Chop Robinson, who was credited by Next Gen Stats with 10 quarterback pressures (in addition to a sack): “There’s something to be said for getting into a rhythm, getting into a routine. His get-off was outstanding. He’s not just using his speed; he’s [using] speed to power. He’s starting to have more tools as a rusher. He’s physical in the run game, setting edges, getting off blocks. I was proud of him yesterday. In Green Bay [before the 2025 draft], the thing that intrigued us was his get off time was one of the best in years.”

▪ On linebacker Jacob Rodriguez and his 18-tackle game Sunday: “The game is slowing down for him. He’s got this relentless motor. Give credit to the defensive line; we played a lot of split safety defense. You’re short guys in the run game; you’re playing with a six man box. They’ve got to take on double teams. It’s impressive what they were able to do.”

▪ On Rodney McGraw’s debut as a backup edge rusher: “McGraw almost had a sack. That’s a hard guy to sack [Kyler Murray]. He was inches away. When I thought he was going to get Kyler [Murray], that was a big play. I’m proud of the guy. We need to keep developing him.”

▪ On Zach Sieler’s value, even beyond the two sacks and good work Sunday: “To have a guy like that, around the youth of this team, he’s one of the best people ever. He does everything the right way, does everything for his teammates on and off the field.”

Hafley said “these vets” — he also mentioned center Aaron Brewer – are the “perfect examples” for the young guys about “how it should look.”

Washington released

The Dolphins released running back Carlos Washington Jr. two days after signing him to the active roster. The move was made a short time after Hafley’s Monday news conference.

Washington was active Sunday but did not play in the game.

The Dolphins are believed to have interest in moving him back to the practice squad.

The Dolphins now have one spot open on their 53-man roster and one spot open on the practice squad. Jarquez Hunter is the only running back on the practice squad at the moment, pending any move with Washington.

Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon II are the only tailbacks on the 53-man roster.

This story was originally published October 5, 2026 at 4:09 PM.