The Miami Dolphins are prepping for one of the most important seasons in recent history. 

It’s year three with Mike McDaniel has the team’s head coach, and after a hot start in his first year leading the Phins, Miami took a significant step back last year. 

In 2025, the Dolphins almost certainly have to make the playoffs for McDaniel and GM Chris Grier to keep their jobs. The roster has talent, but the Dolphins also lost a few key players over the offseason. 

The most notable move was the trade with the Steelers, sending Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick. Ramsey is still viewed as one of the top defensive backs in the NFL and Smith was a key piece to the Dolphins offense. Only time will tell if Fitzpatrick is enough to make the trade a worthwhile one. 

There was speculation all offseason surrounding the future of WR Tyreek Hill, but despite him publicly saying he wanted out of town after the end of the 2024 season, the speedy wideout is still on the roster and seems to have smoothed things over with the organization. 

One of the biggest keys to the Dolphins success in 2025 will be staying healthy. On Wednesday during the team’s first training camp practice, there was already a major injury scare. 

NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reported offensive lineman Bayron Matos was taken to a hospital in a helicopter due to an unknown injury near the end of practice.

According to the team, the offensive lineman is in stable condition. Dolphins insider Josh Moser noted the Dolphins did not provide details on the nature of the injury or the overall severity of it other than saying he is in stable condition.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported Matos was surrounded by teammates on the field for more than 10 minutes prior to being airlifted by the helicopter

Matos, who entered the league as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, spent the 2024 season on the practice squad as an undrafted roookie.