Austin Jackson Fantasy

The Miami Dolphins removed the questionable tag on left tackle Austin Jackson, meaning that he has cleared the league's COVID-19 protocols and will play in the Week 1 season opener against the New England Patriots on Sunday. Jackson tested positive for COVID-19 at the beginning of the week and was placed on the COVID-19 list, but he was activated on Saturday and is now ready to suit up. It's a big boost for second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa against a Patriots defense that will make things difficult on him as he looks to put his rookie struggles behind him. Having the former 18th overall pick from last year protect his blind side should make life easier on Tagovailoa, but it doesn't necessarily make him all that much more attractive as a low-end QB2 from a fantasy perspective.

Sep. 12th • 10:57 AM

The Miami Dolphins activated left tackle Austin Jackson from the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Saturday after he tested positive for the virus on Monday. It remains to be seen if Jackson will actually play in Week 1 against the division-rival New England Patriots on Sunday, but he at least has a chance to suit up now. Jackson's presence on the offensive line would be a boost for second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The Patriots defense only managed 24 sacks as a team in 2020 (tied for 26th in the NFL), but they are returning some key players on that side of the ball, so things won't necessarily be easy for Tagovailoa. The former Alabama signal-caller was a big disappointment in his rookie season, but he had a full offseason this year and has the weapons on offense to turn things around. But until he shows us more, Tagovailoa is a low-end QB2, especially against New England's stiff defense.

Sep. 11th • 9:28 PM

The Miami Dolphins placed rookie first-round left tackle Austin Jackson (foot) on Injured Reserve on Friday, meaning that he'll have to miss at least three weeks and likely longer with a foot injury he suffered in the Week 4 loss to the Seahawks. Miami will also be without starting defensive end Shaq Lawson (shoulder) and tight end Durham Smythe (knee) this Sunday against the 49ers. Wide receiver Jakeem Grant (illness) is questionable with a non-COVID-19-related illness. Head coach Brian Flores said the team is looking for a "long-term replacement" for Jackson, indicating he'll be out much longer than three weeks. With Jackson out for a while, the Dolphins will want to be comfortable with their offensive line before they even think about giving rookie Tua Tagovailoa his first career start under center. Julien Davenport could be asked to take over at left tackle. Another option is moving starting right tackle Jesse Davis to the left side while inserting rookie second-rounder Robert Hunt at right tackle.

Oct. 9th • 2:13 PM