The Miami Dolphins begin the 2024 season at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Here’s what you need to know:
Dolphins score shortly before the end of the first half:
Well, that took a little longer than expected.
With just over a minute left in the first half, Devon Achane stormed up the middle for a 1-yard touchdown, cutting the Jags’ lead to seven points. The Jags still lead 14-7.
Jaylen Waddle returns:
Waddle returned to the game late in the second quarter after being diagnosed with a concussion.
His participation was initially considered questionable after he took a heavy hit at 14:38 in the second quarter. The fourth-year receiver left the field under his own power but immediately went to the blue tent.
Brian Thomas Jr. scores first NFL touchdown
On a crucial 3rd & 10 in the red zone, the rookie receiver found the weak spot in the Dolphins’ zone and got both feet on the ground to score his first NFL touchdown.
The Jags converted two crucial third down attempts on that drive – the first being a 30-yard pass from Christian Kirk that put them in Dolphins territory – en route to a 14-0 lead.
Jags finish 96-yard run with 7-0:
After starting deep in their own territory, the Jaguars stormed down the field Travis Etienne Jr. easily scored the first touchdown of the game with a 1-yard run.
The Jaguars gained 40 yards thanks to a pass interference by Jalen Ramsey that was triggered by rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. ranting at the All-Pro corner.
Calais Campbell makes his debut with the Dolphins:
It didn’t take long for Calais Campbell to make his presence felt.
The 38-year-old sacked Trevor Lawrence on his first defensive snap and tackled Travis Etienne Jr. in the backfield on the following play.
Maybe age really is just a number.
Inactive players before the game:
According to Barry Jackson:
Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, will play on Sunday against Jacksonville.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said at 4 a.m. Sunday morning that Ramsey “will try to play today,” but “either way, he’s not going to be fully in. But he does plan to try for a pitch count.”
The Dolphins did not list him as inactive for the game, but he plans to play.
The players inactive on Sunday are: Jaylen Wright, Ethan Bonner, Channing Tindall, Mohamed Kamara, Andrew Meyer and Malik Washington.
Tyreek Hill arrested:
By David J. Neal:
Miami Dolphins All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill was handcuffed outside Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday morning en route to his team’s season opener against Jacksonville.
Videos and photos posted on social media show a Miami-Dade Hill police officer pressing his knee on his back during his arrest and then leaving him handcuffed on the ground.
Dolphins pre-game reading:
Fins fans, the day you’ve been waiting for is here! Here are a few stories to read before kick-off at 1pm:
▪ Before the season opener between the Dolphins and the Jags, Tua Tagovailoa and Trevor Lawrence have a lot to prove
▪ Dolphins are short on wide receivers and promote Robbie Chosen for Sunday’s game
▪ Here’s what you need to know about the Dolphins’ regular season opener against the Jaguars
▪ Kelly: Will Anthony Weaver end the Dolphins’ defensive coordinator carousel? | Opinion
▪ Greg Cotes Hot Button Top 10: Dolphins vs. POW drought, Canes stay hot, Messi, Belichick comeback
