Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley said Chop sustained a concussion during practice, entered the concussion protocol and will not play this week. Hafley said Chop is doing well while providing the update during his media availability Friday, Sept. 18, 2026.
“Chop did sustain a concussion during practice; he is in the protocol. He will not play this week. He is doing well and I will leave it at that for Chop questions as that one goes,” Hafley said.
Miami Dolphins weigh options to replace Chop
Hafley identified Herring and Ferrell as players who could help replace Chop, while also leaving open other adjustments. He said the players have been improving and performed well in practice this week, although they have not all been with the team for the entire time.
“It’s all of the above and we might do some other things to help out. But those guys, I have confidence in. They’ve been getting better. They all haven’t been here for the entire time, but they’ve done a nice job in practice this week and it’ll be the next man up,” Hafley said.
Zeek Biggers also gives the Miami Dolphins flexibility. Hafley said Biggers has handled edge responsibilities well in run situations and can set the edge, play a 6-technique or reduce further inside. However, using Biggers outside would reduce the team’s available interior depth because he cannot fill both roles at once.
“He’s really good in run situations. He gives us a big body out there that he can set the edge, he can play a 6-technique, he can reduce down further inside, he gives us a lot of options. At the same time, we need him on the inside, so he can’t be two places at once. So that’s kind of the trick, but he did a really nice job last week doing both,” Hafley said.
Ferrell brings experience and energy
Ferrell was among the players Hafley discussed as part of the response to Chop’s absence. Hafley praised Ferrell’s effort, energy and willingness to run to the ball, and said Ferrell has become a good teammate.
“He’s got a lot of energy. I mean, he’s played a lot of football. The one thing that you appreciate about him is when you turn on the tape, he gives phenomenal effort. He runs to the ball. He plays with great energy. He’s become a really good teammate, so I’m excited for his opportunity,” Hafley said.
Hafley also said Ferrell’s experience could help younger players who are still learning the game. That experience is another factor the Miami Dolphins can consider as they evaluate their options following Chop’s injury.
Miami Dolphins receive additional availability updates
Tucker’s availability as a snapper will depend on how he feels and how practice goes. Hafley said the team had 48 hours until the game and hoped Tucker would feel well enough to snap Sunday.
Traore was expected to practice Friday, and Hafley anticipated that he would play Sunday unless there was a setback. Ronnie Harrison, however, will not play this week.
“Ronnie will be out. Ronnie will not play this week,” Hafley said.
FSB Take
Chop’s concussion removes one option from the Miami Dolphins’ plans for this week and increases the importance of the team’s replacement decisions. Hafley pointed to Herring, Ferrell and Biggers while explaining that using Biggers on the edge can affect the team’s interior depth. The team’s availability picture also includes Tucker’s practice progress, Traore’s expected return to practice and Harrison’s confirmed absence.
Source: Original report