As of today, the dolphins depth chart is seeing major adjustments following roster cuts, injuries, and competition at key positions ahead of the 2025 NFL season opener. The team is balancing injuries in the backfield, uncertainty on special teams, and reshuffling in the secondary, forcing quick decisions by the coaching staff.
The Dolphins recently released multiple running backs, including Aaron Shampklin and Mike Boone, leaving rookie Ollie Gordon II as one of the key options behind starter De’Von Achane. At the same time, veteran Alexander Mattison has been ruled out for the season after undergoing neck surgery, creating a major hole in the depth chart. With Mattison sidelined, Miami will now rely more heavily on Achane and Gordon II to carry the load.
On special teams, kicker Jason Sanders is expected to miss four to five weeks with a hip injury. In his place, Jake Bailey has temporarily stepped into kicking duties, though his performance in the preseason showed inconsistency, including a missed attempt from beyond 50 yards. This creates added concern for the Dolphins in close game situations.
Key Points Summary
(for fast readers – quick breakdown of major changes)
- Running back room thinned: Mattison out, Shampklin & Boone released
- Rookie Ollie Gordon II elevated behind starter Achane
- Jason Sanders sidelined with hip injury → Bailey fills in as kicker
- Mike Hilton released, Kader Kohou injured → secondary reshaped
- Offensive line depth weakened by injuries to backups
Running Backs
The Dolphins’ running back rotation is going through one of the biggest shakeups on the roster. With Mattison sidelined and two other backs cut, Achane remains the unquestioned starter, but the team must now lean heavily on rookie Ollie Gordon II. His ability to quickly adapt to the NFL pace will determine whether Miami can maintain a strong ground attack. Achane’s explosiveness remains a centerpiece of the offense, but durability is always a concern, making the depth situation critical.
Quarterbacks
The quarterback position on the dolphins depth chart remains stable. Tua Tagovailoa holds the starting role with Zach Wilson backing him up. Rookie Quinn Ewers is expected to develop behind them, and no significant changes have been made in this group. Tagovailoa continues to anchor the offense and will look to build chemistry with his receivers in the final stretch before Week 1.
Offensive Line
Injuries have tested the Dolphins’ offensive line depth. Backup center Andrew Meyer is sidelined for multiple weeks, and right tackle Austin Jackson along with guard Liam Eichenberg are also dealing with injuries. This creates added challenges for protecting Tagovailoa and opening lanes for the running game. The team may need to rely on less-experienced players until reinforcements return.
Special Teams
Jason Sanders’ injury creates one of the more concerning holes in Miami’s roster. Bailey is currently filling in as kicker, in addition to his punting duties. While he is experienced, his kicking range and accuracy are not at the same level as Sanders, making special teams a potential weakness heading into the regular season.
Defense & Secondary
The defensive backfield has been shaken by injuries and roster cuts. Mike Hilton was released, removing a veteran presence in nickel coverage. Kader Kohou suffered a season-ending ACL injury, compounding earlier losses of other key defensive backs in the offseason. The Dolphins are now relying on younger options such as Jack Jones and Storm Duck to fill in the gaps, with defensive coordinator adjustments expected as the season begins.
Depth Chart Snapshot
| Position | Starter(s) | Backup / Status Updates |
|---|---|---|
| RB | De’Von Achane | Ollie Gordon II elevated; Mattison out for season |
| QB | Tua Tagovailoa | Zach Wilson; Quinn Ewers developing |
| OL | Starters stable | Meyer out; Jackson & Eichenberg recovering injuries |
| Kicker / ST | Jason Sanders (injured) | Jake Bailey handling duties |
| CB / Secondary | To be finalized | Hilton released; Kohou out; Jones & Duck step in |
Final Thoughts
The updated dolphins depth chart shows a team facing adversity but also opportunity. Young players like Ollie Gordon II and Storm Duck now have the chance to prove themselves under the spotlight. Special teams and the secondary remain the most vulnerable areas, but Miami’s coaching staff has shown creativity in adapting to challenges. As Week 1 approaches, the depth chart will continue to evolve, and every roster move will carry weight in shaping the team’s success.
Who do you think will step up to fill these gaps? Share your thoughts below as the Dolphins prepare for the season ahead.