Tag: Austin Jackson

Grading the Dolphins offensive linemen after their 2023 season

A look at Miami’s offensive linemen, and the year they had in 2023.

The Miami Dolphins finished their 2023 campaign with an 11-6 record and made the postseason for the second time in as many years under head coach Mike McDaniel. Unfortunately, it came to an end with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the wild-card round.

While other teams are in the midst of their playoff run, it’s time to do some reflecting on the team in South Florida.

Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be reviewing and evaluating different positions for the Dolphins in 2023. Today, we’ll look at the offensive linemen.

Updates on trio of injured Dolphins after Cowboys game

The head coach provided updates on three injured offensive players.

The Miami Dolphins may have beaten the Dallas Cowboys 22-20 on Christmas Eve, but with their eyes toward the future, they have a number of injuries that could be concerning.

Jerome Baker, Isaiah Wynn, Jaelan Phillips and Connor Williams are on injured reserve with the last two definitely not returning.

They’ve also been without their right guard and right tackle in recent weeks. Then, on Sunday, two more offensive stars went down in Jaylen Waddle and Raheem Mostert.

Mike McDaniel provided some injury updates on Monday to the media. Here’s what he had to say:

Dolphins injury updates after Week 15 win vs. Jets

Mike McDaniel updates the media and fans on injuries.

The Miami Dolphins have had a long list of injuries in recent weeks that have left them playing without starters in each phase of the game.

After their Week 15 victory over the New York Jets, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel spoke to the media and updated them and the fans about a number of players who have been sidelined due to injuries.

Here’s what he had to say during his availability on Monday afternoon:

Dolphins RT Austin Jackson leaves with injury vs. Jets

Miami loses another offensive lineman.

Entering the weekend, the Miami Dolphins had just two starting offensive linemen playing against the New York Jets – left tackle Terron Armstead and right tackle Austin Jackson.

However, in the second quarter of the matchup, Jackson limped off of the field during Miami’s drive with less than three minutes to go in the half. He was replaced by Kendall Lamm, who has played quite a bit this season, but his action had been on the left side.

The Dolphins could try and win this game with four backup linemen if Jackson can’t go for the remainder of the game.

Jackson did enter the game questionable with an oblique injury.

UPDATE: The team announced Jackson’s return is questionable, as he’s dealing with an oblique.

Dolphins RT Austin Jackson reacts to signing extension

The RT shares his thoughts on his new deal.

The Miami Dolphins got ahead of some offseason work on Thursday, as they signed right tackle Austin Jackson, who was in the last year of his rookie deal, to a three-year extension that will pay him up to $39 million.

After Thursday’s practice, Jackson had an opportunity to speak to the media regarding his deal, which he said came together rather quickly.

“I knew there were conversations being had but I really found out this was getting really close yesterday morning for the most part,” Jackson said. “I’m excited. I’m excited and extremely grateful. If you know my journey here, it’s been one with a lot of, I don’t know, I guess stuff to remember. There’s been a lot that went on, but I’m just glad that I got a place that allowed me to work on my craft and get better every day. I’m just looking forward to keep doing that.”

Jackson has put in a ton of work since being selected by the Dolphins in the first round of the 2020 draft. While he’s moved around between three positions and missed nearly all of 2022 due to injury, he seems to have found a home protecting Tua Tagovailoa’s blindside.

Why did he decide to stick around beyond this year and sign early?

“For me, I like this organization and I like where we’re at right now,” Jackson said. “I like where the focus is here right now. I think it kind of aligns with what I want to be still as a football player in this league and also further in life. I think everything just kind of aligned up. When I prayed about it and talked to my family, it worked out for me really well.”

The 24-year-old has turned doubters into believers this year, and it’s been one of the best stories in Miami Gardens in 2023.

WATCH: Mike McDaniel addresses Dolphins RT Austin Jackson’s new contract extension

The HC gushes about his RT and his new contract.

On Thursday, the Miami Dolphins got out ahead of some offseason business and signed right tackle Austin Jackson to a three-year contract extension that will lock him up through the 2026 season.

At his media availability, head coach Mike McDaniel was asked about the move, and he had a lot to say about Jackson’s journey and growth in his time with him.

It’s clear from this three-minute speech that McDaniel is a big fan of the right tackle, and it’s hard not to be supporting the guy right now.

Through the first three seasons of his career, he played three different positions (left guard, left tackle and right tackle) and missed most of the 2022 season due to injury. But, he’s finally found his home protecting Tua Tagovailoa’s blindside, and the work that he’s put in with new offensive line coach Butch Barry has been inspiring.

What a story it’s been, and what a story it’ll be if Jackson keeps up his success for the foreseeable future.

Social media reacts to Dolphins extending RT Austin Jackson

Here’s how fans and analysts reacted to the extension.

The Miami Dolphins took care of some of their offseason business early on Thursday, as they signed right tackle Austin Jackson to a three-year extension worth up to $39 million.

With Miami turning down Jackson’s fifth-year option during the offseason, this news would’ve been quite a surprise just a few months ago, but he’s played very well under new offensive line coach Butch Barry at his new position so far.

When the news broke it was still early, but there were plenty of people on social media around the NFL landscape and Dolphins fan base who were ready to share their thoughts on the deal.

Dolphins sign RT Austin Jackson to a three-year extension

Miami keeps their RT around on a new 3-year deal.

The Miami Dolphins have a lot of key players in the final years of their deals who they’ll need to make decisions on in the coming months, and they’ve started doing so early.

On Thursday morning, the Dolphins agreed to a three-year contract extension with right tackle Austin Jackson that will pay him $36 million and $20.7 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Miami decided not to pick up Jackson’s fifth-year option this past offseason, and the right tackle has played very well since.

With the chance to make up to $39 million over the next three seasons, Jackson will be protecting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s blindside for years to come.

Dolphins RT Austin Jackson ejected vs. Jets

Miami down to just one starter on the offensive line.

The Miami Dolphins entered the fourth quarter with just two starting offensive linemen – center Connor Williams and right tackle Austin Jackson.

However, after a successful extra-point attempt, Jackson was involved in some scuffling and was ejected from the game.

It will be interesting to see what Miami will do on the line with left tackle Terron Armstead on the sideline with an injury and backup Kendall Lamm also dealing with an injury of his own.

Dolphins 2023 midseason awards: From MVP to most improved

Midseason awards for Miami at the bye week.

With the NFL season moving to 17 games last season, there’s no longer an exact mid-point in the year, but nine games seems like a good spot to start assessing teams.

The Miami Dolphins have gone 6-3 through the first nine weeks, and they’re currently in first place in the AFC East, ahead of the Buffalo Bills, and they’re in fourth in the conference.

As Mike McDaniel’s team heads into their bye week, now is a great time to assess the performance of some of the team’s best players.

Let’s reflect on the first half of the 2023 season and hand out some midseason awards.