NOVEMBER 5TH, 2026 9:42PM
Miami — The Dolphins have spent the last month becoming a different football team, making Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium more dangerous than the standing suggest. Detroit is walking into a game against a team that has played well enough to steal a win from the Lions. The Dolphins are 1–6 after losing their first three by an average of 16.7 points, but every game over the last four has been decided by seven points or fewer. The Dolphins’ record is hiding the true talent of a team that is young, hungry and getting better every week.
Detroit arrives with its own transformation. Kelvin Sheppard’s defense allowed 423.8 total yards and 119.8 rushing yards per game through four games; those averages fell to 305.7 and 65.7 over its last three. That turnaround was vital in producing three straight wins since week 5, but multiple defensive injuries now threaten the unit’s depth and continuity.
Jared Goff now faces a Miami defense that struggles to get off the field while allowing 2.66 points per drive. A defense that is built far differently from the pressure-heavy unit he saw week 8. Drew Petzing has his offense firing on all cylinders bringing an average of 29.0 points per game into week 9. This offense can attack the advantages they have, efficient early-down passing and a run game capable of stressing every inch of the field without the need to manufacture or invent a new philosophy. This is not a game for cute football; this is a business trip: get in, get out and stay healthy. Come away with a win.
INJURY REPORT AND PERSONNEL
Detroit enters Miami with a depleted defense after losing 5 players week eight. No absence weighs more heavily than Jack Campbell’s. The Lions have lost their defensive captain and the voice directing the second level, but his health comes before any return to the field. My thoughts and prayers remain with Jack and his family.
Friday’s report ruled out Campbell (neck), Kerby Joseph (knee), D.J. Reed (hip), DJ Wonnum (concussion) and Cade Mays (ankle). Jimmy Rolder is on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. His 24 defensive snaps make his absence less disruptive, but the losses have thinned Detroit’s linebacker room. K.J. Britt joins the active roster, Joe Bachie has been promoted and Owen Pappoe joins the practice squad. The Britt and Pappoe signings deserve more credit than what Brad Holmes has received.
Reed was playing some of his best football over the last three games. His loss will put greater responsibility on the secondary to play connected. Kerby Joseph is not a new injury, just continuation of his ramp up period. Brian Branch’s full participation Friday is the boost this secondary will thrive on this Sunday. Without Wonnum, rookie Derrick Moore and the edge rotation including a likely appearance form Ahmed Hassanein, will add significant stress of this unit to contain Malik Willis.
Juice Scruggs replaced Cade Mays against Minnesota and did not allow a pressure in relief. Normally, changing centers is a big deal, affecting more than individual pass protection. Scruggs has been exceptional all season, this is a non-issue for Week 9, Scruggs will be starting at center.
Miami has fewer concerns. Chop Robinson, Zach Sieler, Michael Taaffe, Dante Trader Jr., Willis and Kadyn Proctor have no game designations. Jaylen Wright, Kaytron Allen and Malik Herring remain questionable.
