CHARLOTTE, NC. — The Miami Dolphins (1-3), fresh off their first win of the season, travel to Bank of America Stadium on Sunday hoping to leave with their first winning streak of the young 2025 season.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel spoke with local reporters on Friday – where a win Sunday would mark his 30th victory and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s 40th as a starter.
One point of emphasis McDaniel was asked about was whether the team has reached out to former defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, who was drafted No. 13 overall by the franchise in 2019.
McDaniel simply said, “The door is always open,” adding that general manager Chris Grier is always working behind the scenes.
The Dolphins could certainly use a big-bodied tackle on the line of scrimmage – especially after giving up a puzzling 197 rushing yards in their Week 4 win over the New York Jets, including a 43-yard touchdown run by quarterback Justin Fields.
The Dolphins will, however, catch a break in Week 5, as the Carolina Panthers (1-3) have ruled out lead running back Chuba Hubbard with a calf injury.
The Panthers will turn to Rico Dowdle, but McDaniel said he isn’t going to take any players lightly, adding that the NFL is “full of very capable talent.”
Recently signed wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr., added from the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad, will not practice or play in Week 5.
However, he’s expected to be available for Miami’s Week 6 game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Hard Rock Stadium (Oct. 12, 1 p.m. ET).
Tight end Darren Waller, who scored two touchdowns in his season debut, will see a slight increase in snaps – with Waller coming out of the game injury-free.
Waller played 16 snaps in Week 4.
Wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who underwent knee surgery Tuesday morning that will sideline him for the remainder of the 2025 season, visited the team facility Friday, according to McDaniel.
“He made sure guys continue to stay motivated and play complementary football with 11 players playing as one in three phases over the course of the game,” McDaniel said.
The Dolphins and Panthers kick off at 1 p.m. ET.
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