MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley hinted that lineup changes could be on the table amid the team’s 0-2 start.
That may not necessarily mean a change at right tackle, where Austin Jackson has been a target of criticism following the 35-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Meanwhile, the next few days could be critical toward determining whether the Dolphins have receiver Caleb Douglas, running back Jaylen Wright and edge rusher Chop Robinson for the Sept. 27 home opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Robinson missed the 49ers game with his third concussion in a calendar year. He remains in concussion protocol.
“He’s exactly where we thought he’d be right now,” Hafley said. “So we’ll see how he does come Wednesday.”
Douglas was seen
in a walking boot after the 49ers game. Hafley said it was too early to tell if the ankle injury suffered in the fourth quarter could keep him out against the Chiefs.
Wright, who suffered a stinger against the 49ers, is day to day.
The Dolphins have managed 26 points this season while conceding 62, a net differential of minus-36 that would be worst in the league if not for Atlanta’s minus-38. Hafley didn’t deny lineup changes have been discussed among the coaches.
“I think there are certain positions where I’d be lying to you if I didn’t say that there were those conversations,” Hafley said. “And that we need to continue to have those conversations.”
Austin Jackson getting criticized by fans
Fans have been quick to criticize Jackson, a former first-round pick. Hafley pointed out that Jackson has lined up against the Raiders’ Maxx Crosby and the 49ers’ Nick Bosa.
“I think those are two of the better players in our league,” Hafley said. “So he’s had some good moments and I think just like anyone else, he’s had some tough moments against them. And there’s times when we can help him out more as coaches.”
One change that doesn’t appear to be on the horizon is at punter, where Bradley Pinion had a blooper of a play when he dropped the ball while trying to punt, giving San Francisco a short field that led to a quick touchdown.
“He’s punted for a long time and he’s probably never dropped a ball like that before,” Hafley said. “And I’m sure he won’t do it again.”
Hafley also mentioned inconsistency when evaluating quarterback Malik Willis, who has completed 29-of-50 passes for 417 yards, one touchdown and one interception for an 83.5 rating. Willis has been sacked an NFL-high nine times.
“I think there’s moments when the ball’s out on time,” Hafley said. “He’s been able to extend plays. He’s been able to take shots down the field. He’s been extremely accurate. He’s kept drives alive with his legs.
“I just think it’s the consistency right now, and it’s just getting comfortable with the guys around him.”
Dolphins signing DE/LB Andre Jones Jr. off Bills’ practice squad
The Dolphins are adding defensive end/linebacker Andre Jones Jr. off the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad.
Jones played under current Dolphins special teams coordinator Chris Tabor last season in Buffalo, where he recorded 44 special teams snaps compared to 38 on defense.
Jones, 27, is 6-feet-5 and 258 pounds.
Jones was a seventh-round pick by the Washington Commanders in 2023 out of Louisiana.
He has appeared in 19 games, starting two, with 10 tackles but no sacks.
Rookie CB Chris Johnson fined for hip-drop tackle
Rookie cornerback Chris Johnson was fined $17,911 for a hip-drop tackle in the opener vs. the Raiders.
The Dolphins also waived inside linebacker Liam Anderson.
Hal Habib covers the Miami Dolphins for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at HHabib@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins' Chop Robinson on schedule in concussion protocol
