Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Austin Jackson returned to his right tackle spot against the Houston Texans.
Jackson, who had not played since the Dolphins’ opener against the New England Patriots because of a high ankle sprain, started there after lining up with the starters at right tackle in pregame warmups Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium.
Before the team’s bye week last Sunday, Jackson was active for the first time since Week 1 on Nov. 13 against the Cleveland Browns, but was only available to step in under emergency circumstances.
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel had a decision to make with Jackson this week, as Miami’s offensive line has played well with veteran Brandon Shell at right tackle in recent weeks.
There was also a potential spot at left guard with starter Liam Eichenberg sidelined with a knee injury and Jackson playing mostly there last season, but Robert Jones filled in well there. Jones continued to warm up with the starters before Sunday’s game.
Jackson is trying to rebound after struggling in his sophomore season in 2021 after being a first-round draft pick in 2020 and playing left tackle as a rookie.
Mostert, Bridgewater out
Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert is officially ruled out for the team’s game against the Texans after being listed as questionable with a knee injury.
Mostert and backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater were among the Dolphins’ five inactives announced 90 minutes before kickoff.
With Mostert out, Jeff Wilson Jr. will likely receive a heavier workload in the Miami backfield. Either Myles Gaskin or Salvon Ahmed should get the most touches of the season. Both have four operations in 2022.
Mostert, who has been injured often throughout his career, misses his first game with Miami this season. He, Wilson and McDaniel have a reunion next week, visiting their former team, the San Francisco 49ers.
With Bridgewater also unable to play with a knee injury, rookie Skylar Thompson is in line to back up Tua Tagovailoa.
Inactive from the Healthy Dolphins were cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, wide receiver Erik Ezukanma and tight end Hunter Long. Igbinoghene is inactive on his birthday, he turns 23 on Sunday. Ezukanma has yet to be active for a game in his rookie season.
Among the Texans’ inactives are cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who was already ruled Friday with a hamstring strain, and former University of Miami tight end Brevin Jordan.
This story will be updated.
()
