INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 07: Head coach Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins looks on during the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
The Miami Dolphins had their worst week one defeat in over half a decade when they fell 33-8 to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
The Colts themselves, who dedicated Sunday’s win to late owner, Jim Ersay, had not won a season opener since 2013 – the start of Andrew Luck‘s second season with the organization.
And whilst Miami’s performance being pretty dire, things went from bad to worse as the team lost four starters to injury, with two of them, tackle, Austin Jackson and guard, James Daniels, being on the all-important offensive line.
And as a result, on Tuesday the team decided to add reinforcements to the unit in the form of a former high-profile player from a division rival, the New England Patriots. Specifically, their ex first round pick in 2022, interior offensive lineman, Cole Strange, who they signed off of the Cleveland Browns‘ practice squad.
The #Dolphins are signing guard Cole Strange off Cleveland’s practice squad, per source.
Miami is dealing with multiple OL injuries and now Strange — the former #Patriots first-round pick — could be in uniform against New England on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/BNWE035ZRb
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 9, 2025
“TheDolphins are signing guard Cole Strange off Cleveland’s practice squad, per source.” Tom Pelissero wrote on Tuesday. “Miami is dealing with multiple OL injuries and now Strange — the formerPatriots first-round pick — could be in uniform against New England on Sunday.”
Ex-Patriot Has An Opportunity To Make An Immediate Impact In Miami
Current starter at right guard, James Daniels, is expected to miss at least a month with a pectoral injury – and after having been moved to the short-term IR, will not be available for the next four weeks at a minimum.
Although at this point Kion Smith is currently in line to start at the position in Daniels’ stead, both Daniel Brunskill and indeed Strange could end up taking that role over the next few weeks.
Smith has only played in 10 total games over the course of his career since coming into the league as an undrafted free agent back in 2021 – no starts to date. So if put head to head between him and Strange, who has 29 starts in his three years in the NFL, it could well be that head coach, Mike McDaniel opts for experience.
How Does The Dolphins’ Offensive Line Look Ahead Of Week 2?
Not ideal, in all honesty. Jonah Savaiinaea did not have a great debut on Sunday, allowing one hit and two pressures.
And now with what were probably the team’s two best offensive linemen heading into the season now out – in Jackson and Daniels – the team will have to find a way to improve their play at the position whilst also being down two key starters.
Long term Dolphin, Liam Eichenberg, who has been in and out of the starting lineup for years, but provides quality cover at multiples positions, is currently on injured reserve.
The good news for Miami is that both Brunskill and Strange have a load of pro football experience, and both have have shown themselves to be capable players in the past when called upon in the regular season.
Equally, one of the bigger offensive line questions coming into the season – who will replace Terron Armstead at left tackle – was answered emphatically, at least in week 1 – by Patrick Paul, who put up a strong first game, conceding neither a hit, sack nor pressure over the duration of all four quarters.