The team’s tight end group has been hit hard from the start. Ben Sims and Cole Turner began the season on Injured Reserve, and rookie Will Kacmarek is currently questionable with a calf issue. Kacmarek ranks behind Greg Dulcich on the depth chart, but there is optimism about his availability for the opener.
Recently, Kacmarek shared positive news about his status, indicating he plans to play against the Raiders on Sunday, September 13. Reports after a Wednesday practice suggested by sources in the Miami area reinforced the expectation that he would be active, pending final pregame checks.
Kacmarek has been dealing with a lower-body injury developed during training camp. In the preseason, he appeared briefly with one reception for three yards in a matchup against a notable opponent, and that was his only involvement in exhibition play so far. With Dulcich likely serving as the top pass-catching option among the tight ends, Kacmarek has been focusing on improving as a blocker. He has studied film of a premier tight end known for his blocking to enhance his own technique.
On the collegiate side, Kacmarek began at Ohio University before transferring to Ohio State for his final two seasons. In 2024, he totaled eight receptions for 86 yards, as part of a Buckeyes squad that won the National Championship that season. A year ago, he stepped up to 15 receptions for 168 yards with a couple of touchdowns. Despite modest receiving numbers in college, the rookie is confident in his potential to contribute at the NFL level, emphasizing that there are opportunities to get the ball and keep defenses on their heels.
The Dolphins enter the season with a young and relatively unproven receiving corps. Second-year wideout Malik Washington is among the top targets, joined by rookies Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell. Veterans Jalen Tolbert and Ryan Miller were added to provide depth, while fellow rookies Seydou Traore and Justin Joly join Kacmarek in the tight end room, with Dulcich serving as the veteran presence at the position.
As the season begins, the focus remains on how the tight end group will contribute in both the passing and blocking games, and how Kacmarek’s development will unfold as he competes for increased opportunities in a crowded and emerging Dolphins offense.
