The Miami Dolphins find themselves in a challenging offseason following a subpar 2024 season, ending with an 8-9 record and missing the playoffs. With a tight budget, the team is currently $2.6 million over the projected salary cap, a significant shift from last year when they started $51.9 million over. The situation is exacerbated by the recent $212.4 million extension for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, which increases his cap hit to $39.44 million.

In addition to managing Tagovailoa's lucrative deal, the Dolphins will have to make critical decisions regarding their own free agents, such as safeties Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer, along with multiple guards and defensive players. The team may have to look for economical options in free agency to fill the roster's gaps, especially in light of potential retirements among veteran players.

The Miami Dolphins are facing a challenging injury situation as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's hip issue remains a focal point. On Wednesday, three starters, tackle Terron Armstead, safety Jordan Poyer, and linebacker Anthony Walker Jr., were unable to practice due to various injuries. Armstead had previously exited the Week 17 game against the Cleveland Browns, while Walker missed that game entirely. Poyer, despite his knee and finger issues, managed to start.

Additionally, Tagovailoa, along with wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and safety Jevon Holland, were listed as limited participants in practice. The Dolphins also noted punter Jake Bailey's back injury, while linebacker Duke Riley was a full participant despite a foot issue.

On the other side, the New York Jets' injury report reflected a walk-through practice, leading to an estimation of player statuses. Five players were marked as Did Not Practice (DNP), including cornerback Sauce Gardner, defensive lineman Quinnen Williams, and guard Alijah Vera-Tucker. Tight end Tyler Conklin and tackle Morgan Moses also fell under the DNP category, while guard John Simpson was limited due to a groin injury.

Tyrel Dodson, a former linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks, has made a significant impact since joining the Miami Dolphins, being named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 17. After being released by the Seahawks during their bye in Week 10 due to underwhelming performance in a starting role, Dodson excelled in a game against the Cleveland Browns. In the Dolphins' 20-3 victory, he led the team with 15 tackles, one pass deflection, an interception, and a quarterback hit, showcasing his capabilities on the field.

Prior to this standout performance, Dodson had primarily contributed on special teams since arriving in Miami in Week 11, with limited appearances on defense. However, he stepped up in the absence of starting linebacker Anthony Walker Jr., who missed crucial games against the Green Bay Packers and the Browns. Dodson's full participation in the game against Cleveland marked a pivotal moment in his transition to the Dolphins, as he played every defensive snap and secured his second start for the team.

In the meantime, the Seahawks have filled Dodson's previous role with rookie Tyrice Knight, who has also made his mark by earning Rookie of the Week honors for his performance against the Arizona Cardinals. Knight's contributions, alongside those of Ernest Jones IV, have led to notable improvements in the Seahawks' defense, suggesting that Dodson's fit within the team's strategy may have been misaligned despite his past success as a leading tackler.

The Miami Dolphins are gearing up for a crucial matchup against the Cleveland Browns, relying heavily on running back De’Von Achane and quarterback Tyler 'Snoop' Huntley. With starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa listed as doubtful due to a worsening hip injury, the Dolphins face challenges in their offensive lineup. Tagovailoa's condition deteriorated after he played against the San Francisco 49ers, leading to his downgrade from questionable to doubtful just a day before the game.

Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is also expected to miss the game as he continues to recover from a knee injury, marking his second consecutive absence. In contrast, Tyreek Hill, although dealing with a wrist issue, is anticipated to play in the adverse weather conditions expected in Cleveland. The Dolphins are also dealing with additional absences, including linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. and cornerback Kendall Fuller, both ruled out due to knee injuries.

As the Dolphins aim for a playoff spot, they find themselves in a precarious position. They must win their remaining games while hoping for favorable outcomes in other matchups, particularly needing losses from the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos to keep their playoff hopes alive. The stakes are high as they prepare for the Browns, knowing that every game counts in their quest for postseason action.

The Miami Dolphins have officially ruled out two players for their upcoming Week 17 game against the Cleveland Browns, while one of their key players, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, remains questionable due to a knee issue. Tagovailoa was limited in practice during the week but was previously removed from the injury report before the game against the San Francisco 49ers. His availability for the game against the Browns could hinge on the Dolphins' playoff hopes, which could be dashed if both the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos secure victories on Saturday.

Alongside Tagovailoa, several other players are also questionable, including Terron Armstead, Jaylen Waddle, Dee Eskridge, Tyreek Hill, and Jordan Poyer, all of whom were limited in practice. On the positive side, linebacker Jordyn Brooks, who had been dealing with quad and knee injuries, has been cleared to play against Cleveland. In contrast, cornerback Kendall Fuller and linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. have been ruled out, leading to potential changes in the Dolphins' starting lineup.

On the other side, the Cleveland Browns have also faced injury challenges, ruling out three players including their star tight end David Njoku due to a knee injury. Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo and wide receiver Cedric Tillman have also been ruled out for the game. Quarterback Jameis Winston is listed as questionable with a shoulder injury, but coach Kevin Stefanski has confirmed that Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start after being cleared from a calf injury. Meanwhile, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy remains a concern as he continues to deal with knee and shin issues.