Veteran WR Jalen Tolbert Could Make Dolphins’ Debut Sunday
When the Miami Dolphins host the Kansas City Chiefs for their Hard Rock Stadium opener, they will be without rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas. During Miami’s 35-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday, Douglas hurt his ankle. He has not participated in practice this week, so veteran Jalen Tolbert could make his Dolphins’ debut.
Tolbert was signed this past off-season to a one-year $1,402,500 contract, with $1,262,500 being guaranteed. He was inactive during the first two weeks as a healthy scratch, since Douglas had an impressive summer.
Dolphins Dealing with Multiple Wide Receiver Injuries
Miami’s receiver’s room is banged up, with another rookie in Chris Bell, being limited due to soreness and fluid in his knee. Bell has returned ahead of expectation from a 2025 ACL injury back in college. He has been targeted just three times so far this season and played only 46% of Miami’s offensive snaps. Miami has eased Bell back, and should still use caution even with Douglas out. Miami’s head coach Jeff Hafley told reporters regarding Bell, “Listening to our medical people. We feel good about him playing on Sunday.”
Ryan Miller had also been limited on Wednesday and did not practice on Thursday with hip and back issues, yet he returned to practice on Friday. Miller scored a 77-yard touchdown last week on a deep pass and run from quarterback Malik Willis. While he is mainly a gunner on special teams, he could see targets on Sunday against the Chiefs.
Can Tolbert Be a Factor?
Tolbert could be Miami’s best shot as a weapon for Willis against the Chiefs. Bell may not be ready for heavy volume just yet, and Miller’s career high game in terms of targets is five. He has only seen 25 professional targets in his 27 games played.
Tolbert could earn a start on the outside and see plenty of action. He and Willis showed some flashes of a rapport from training camp this past summer. Tolbert spent his first four NFL seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He led them in touchdowns in 2024 with seven. That season he had 49 receptions for 610 yards.
In a game where the Chiefs could jump out to a significant lead early, Willis and the Dolphins’ offense could be forced to pass plenty. Tolbert could have an opportunity to be a difference maker.
Who Else Could Miami Lean on Sunday?
With a thin receivers room even when fully healthy, Miami will also have veteran Malik Washington as well as another rookie in Kevin Coleman Jr. Jalen Reagor is currently on the practice squad, but could be elevated, all things considered. Miami also welcomed AJ Henning back to the scout team, but it’s Tolbert who should get the call and be active and busy on Sunday.
