The Miami Dolphins picked up a huge win in Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season, as they beat the New England Patriots 20-7 in Miami.
However, the Dolphins did have two players get banged up in the win, as right tackle Austin Jackson suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter, and tight end Cethan Carter suffered a head injury on special teams.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel provided an update on both players on Monday.
Jackson, who was a first-round pick by the Dolphins in the 2020 NFL Draft, apparently could have returned to Sunday’s game in an emergency situation for Miami.
“He stayed in uniform and could’ve gone back in, in an emergency situation,” McDaniel said of Jackson. “It’s serious enough that we’re getting some more eyes on it. We’ll be continuing along the process to have the best medical information on him moving forward. To be determined.”
Even though he didn’t return, it’s a good sign that Jackson was close to coming back into the game against the Patriots, and that likely bodes well for his status in Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens.
If Jackson is unable to go, tackle Greg Little, who played in his place on Sunday, would likely get the start on the right side for the Dolphins.
As for Carter, his status going forward is much murkier than Jackson’s, as he is currently in the league’s concussion protocol.
“He’s in the concussion protocol,” McDaniel said of Carter. “You guys know how that goes. That is, of all things, the most case-by-case basis. We’ll be taking it as such moving forward.”
Carter is currently listed as Miami’s No. 4 tight end on the depth chart behind Mike Gesicki, Durham Smythe and Hunter Long. However, he does have a role on special teams, as he was injured while covering a kick for Miami.
The Dolphins have a big road matchup with Baltimore, who shellacked the New York Jets in Week 1, coming up at 1 p.m. EST on Sunday, Sept. 18.
The Ravens dealt with a bunch of injuries last season, including one to quarterback Lamar Jackson, that led to them finishing with an 8-9 record in 2021.
Both of these teams will look to build on the momentum from wins in Week 1, and the Dolphins are hoping they have as many of their starters as possible in the lineup.
