The Miami Dolphins have appointed Craig Aukerman as their new special teams coordinator, replacing Danny Crossman, who was let go following a disappointing season without playoff qualification. Aukerman, previously the special teams coordinator for the Tennessee Titans from 2018 to 2023, brings a wealth of experience, having also served in similar roles at San Diego Chargers and with various teams across the NFL.

Despite retaining Crossman through challenging seasons, including rankings of 31st in 2023 and 27th in 2022 for special teams, head coach Mike McDaniel expressed the need for change to enhance team performance. Aukerman will now work towards improving Miami's special teams unit, which has struggled in recent years.

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.

The Miami Dolphins showcased an impressive offensive display, defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 34-19 at Hard Rock Stadium. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw for three touchdowns, with tight end Jonnu Smith catching two, including a pivotal 57-yard touchdown.

Smith praised Tagovailoa, highlighting their connection during the game. The Dolphins scored on six of seven possessions, demonstrating their offensive capabilities and marking their first game over 30 points this season. Tagovailoa emphasized the team's focus on improvement as they prepare for their upcoming match against the New England Patriots.

The Miami Dolphins secured a much-needed victory against the Los Angeles Rams, ending a three-game losing streak with a 23-15 win. Despite the lack of offensive fireworks that characterized their previous seasons, the win keeps their slim playoff hopes alive.

The Dolphins' run game struggled, with running backs failing to make a significant impact. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had an average performance, but the defense shined, effectively shutting down the Rams' run and pass games.

Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver's leadership has been pivotal, especially given the injuries the team faces. However, the Dolphins' offense remains a concern, ranking low in scoring and big plays, which could hinder their chances moving forward.

The Miami Dolphins are struggling with a 2-6 record, leading to a harsh midseason report card. General manager Chris Grier and coach Mike McDaniel are criticized for their offseason decisions, particularly regarding backup quarterbacks. Tua Tagovailoa's performance has been below average, and the running game has been inconsistent despite some strong individual performances.

The offensive line has exceeded expectations, while the defensive line has suffered from injuries. The coaching staff, particularly McDaniel, faces scrutiny for undisciplined play and failure to utilize star players effectively. Overall, the season has been disappointing, with significant room for improvement.