Final Week 1 Dolphins injury report bodes well for the Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars are nearly at full strength for Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season. On the other hand, the Miami Dolphins may be without All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey.

The Jags released their final injury report for the season opener. Only two players are listed: Arik Armstead who did not practice but didn't get a designation, and Daniel Thomas, who's questionable. Head coach Doug Pederson met with the local media ahead of the contest and said he's optimistic the fifth-year pro will suit up.

Thomas' potential absence doesn't come as a surprise when you take into account that the former Auburn Tiger has missed practice with a heel injury. If he isn't available for the bout, the team could promote Matthew Jackson to the active roster.

Like Thomas, Jackson is listed as a safety but mostly contributes on special teams. He spent the 2023 season with the Tennessee Titans but was waived and promptly signed by the Jags after this year's preseason.

After cutdown day, Jacksonville placed safety Andrew Wingard and running back Keilan Robinson on the Injured Reserve list, so they'll both sit out four games to start the season. Other than that, the Jags are enjoying a relatively clean bill of health ahead of the opener.

Meanwhile, the Dolphins have several injured players. However, only two popped up in the final report. Wide receiver Malike Washington, who's out with a quad injury, and Jalen Ramsey, who's been dealing with a hamstring injury.

Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver hopes the All-Pro cornerback is available but says they have to be smart about his status, pointing out that Miami will face the Buffalo Bills just five days after the Jaguars.

On a related note, Ramsey just inked a new three-year deal worth $72.3 million, making him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. The Dolphins will surely want to take care of their investment, so maybe they'll keep him out in the opener.

Ramsey, the fifth overall pick in 2016, started his career with the Jaguars. He spent his first three seasons in Duval but was traded to the Los Angeles Rams a few games in 2019 because of a contract impasse. The former Florida State Seminole went on to play 57 games in LA and was traded to the Phins last year.

For his career, Ramsey has made the Pro Bowl seven times (two of them in Jacksonville) and earned three First-Team All-Pro designations.

The Jaguars will be ready or not whether Jalen Ramsey plays in Week 1

The Jacksonville Jaguars will catch a massive break if Jalen Ramsey doesn't play. But with or without him, they have the personnel to counter the Miami Dolphins defense and put points on the scoreboard.

Earlier this year, the Jags drafted Brian Thomas Jr. 23rd round. He'll fill the shoes of Calvin Ridley, who joined the Tennessee Titans in free agency. Thomas has been the real deal in the preseason and will join a wide receiver corps that includes the dependable Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis. Add the presence of tight end Evan Engram and Trevor Lawrence will have no shortage of weapons. Moreover, running back Travis Etienne will be ready to carry a big workload if needed.

Simply put, the Jaguars have enough pieces on offense to come out of Week 1 with their first win of the season. Then again, not having to face Jalen Ramsey will increase their chances, so they won't be shedding a tear if he doesn't play.

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