The Miami Dolphins visit the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday and will see plenty of familiar faces on the opposing sidelines. Vikings practice squad linebacker Kyle Van Noy played in Miami in 2020 while Minnesota’s coaching staff includes defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander, who played safety for the Dolphins in 2011 and was Miami’s defensive backs coach in 2020 and 2021; defensive assistant Charlie Frye was Miami’s quarterbacks coach in 2021; passing game coordinator Josh McCown was a training camp
quarterback in 2008; assistant head coach Frank Smith was Miami’s offensive coordinator from 2022 through 2025; and Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell was a training camp quarterback for the Dolphins in 2011.
Of course, Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores was the head coach for the Dolphins from 2019 through 2021.
And perhaps the most recognizable person on the field for Dolphins fans, with his hair flowing out from under his helmet, will be linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel. AVG played for the Dolphins from 2019 through 2023, appearing in 73 games, including 42 starts, recording 2019 tackles, 17 sacks, two interceptions, seven passes defensed, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and two touchdowns. A 2019 fifth-round pick for Miami out of Wisconsin, Van Ginkel signed as a free agent with the Vikings in 2024, taking a fan favorite out of the Miami defense and reuniting him with Flores.
Miami Dolphins on SI writer Alain Poupart took a look at the one who got away as Miami prepares to face the Vikings:
Former Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland is off to a great start in his second season with the New York Giants and he was recognized Thursday as the NFC Defensive Player of the Month.
He’s not, however, somebody the Dolphins should regret not having retained as a free agent two offseasons ago.
Andrew Van Ginkel, who the Dolphins will face for the first time since he left when they take on the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, is an entirely different story…
It was one thing to debate whether the Dolphins should have done whatever it took to keep former draft picks like Christian Wilkins, Robert Hunt and/or Holland instead of having them leave as free agents instead of spending big money on outsiders like Tyreek Hill and Jalen Ramsey, but the conversation should have been much simpler with Van Ginkel.
On that one, the Dolphins missed the boat.
Welcome to the Splash Zone, a collection of Dolphins stories from around the web curated for you each morning. You can check out that story and more right here:
Why AVG Remains the One Who Got Away for the Dolphins – Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins on SI
The Miami Dolphins will face Andrew Van Ginkel for the first time Sunday
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Dolphins vs. Vikings preview
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Brian Flores blitzes everyone. Now he’s coming for the Miami Dolphins – Joe Schad, The Palm Beach Post
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has blitzed opponents on 66.4 percent of snaps this season.
Who has the edge? Dolphins at Vikings, against a familiar Flo – David Furones, South Florida Sun Sentinel
Here’s a look at how the Miami Dolphins (0-3) and Minnesota Vikings (3-0) match up in six key areas ahead of Sunday’s Week 4 game at U.S. Bank Stadium (4:05 p.m., Fox):
Dolphins injuries
Dolphins’ Caleb Douglas in danger of missing Sunday’s game, but so is Vikings’ Justin Jefferson – David Furones, South Florida Sun Sentinel
Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas is in danger of missing a second straight game due to his ankle injury.
Dolphins coaches dish on replacing Achane, Proctor, bypassing field goals, more – Barry Jackson, Miami Herald
A six-pack of Dolphins news and notes from our weekly session with a handful of assistant coaches and coordinators:
Malik Willis, Dolphins running backs prepare for life without De’Von Achane – David Furones, South Florida Sun Sentinel
The Miami Dolphins are still mourning that star running back De’Von Achane tore his ACL merely days ago.
Potential Major Concern on Thursday Dolphins Injury Report for Week 4– Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins on SI
The Miami Dolphins had a couple of changes on their second injury report ahead of their matchup against the Minnesota Vikings
Jalin Wright
Time to Prove the Dolphins Made the Wright Call – Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins on SI
The Miami Dolphins will need Jaylen Wright to step up in the absence of De’Von Achane
Dolphins rumors
Should the Dolphins Make a Play for Harrison (And Should They Have Gone After Porter?) – Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins on SI
The Miami Dolphins are in the market for young talent, but the question is how aggressive they should be in trying to land players from other teams
Dolphins Week 4 opponents: Minnesota Vikings news
Myles Price Named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month – Christopher Gates, Daily Norseman
More kudos for the Vikings’ specialist
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ICYMI – The Phinsider News and Updates
NFL picks and odds: Dolphins vs. Vikings predictions, full Week 4 2026 winners – Kevin Nogle, The Phinsider
Our Week 4 predictions are here. Join our season-long picks pool.
Can Malik Washington step up among Dolphins injury issues? – Jim Reed, The Phinsider
De’Von Achane’s injury leaves a massive void in Miami’s offense. Malik Washington’s versatility may make him the best candidate to help fill it.
Our first month with an app broke our commenting records – Kevin Nogle, The Phinsider
Our new app launched one month ago today.
Caleb Douglas in danger of missing second straight game for Miami Dolphins – Marek Brave, The Phinsider
Douglas has yet to practice since injuring his ankle late in week two loss.
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