Dolphins right tackle Austin Jackson appears to be on track for the start of Miami’s training camp after suffering a knee injury in Week 9 which required season-ending surgery.
Jackson has been able to participate in 11-on-11 drills in the early OTAs.
“It was great. It was a great feeling to be back out there. I’m glad to be healthy and back to full speed and feeling a little better,” Jackson said on Tuesday.
The battle back for the 6-foot-5, 320-pound offensive lineman was difficult.
“It was tough. It was tough. I hate to leave the season the way I did last year with so much at stake in terms of fighting for playoffs and stuff like that, but my situation with my knee was something I had to take care of. So it just kind of forced me to just look inward that really just come up with a plan for the future. Look inward and come up with a plan,” Jackson said.
In addition to his recovery, Jackson now faces a new role on the offensive line as the veteran leader to a younger offensive line group following Terron Armstead’s retirement. Jackson is entering his sixth NFL season after being selected with the No. 18 overall pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft.
“I am the older player in the room now. (Terron) Armstead was that guy for us for a while, for me. I think now with the younger guys coming in and me myself having more confidence in the system, I definitely can help anybody who’s looking to do what we do the right way,” Jackson said.
This Dolphins offensive line has some young prospects who will have to step up this season, most notably second-year tackle Patrick Paul who will effectively take over the starting left tackle job. It was a difficult learning curve for Paul during his rookie year as he posted a 44.9 PFF grade in 338 snaps.
”(Paul’s) been really consistent in his training, which is really good for a young player. Especially for him, last year to this year, he lost a little bit of weight and has still been able to maintain his strength, so that’s another big jump that tackles have to adjust to when they come into the league,” Jackson said of Paul.
It was speculated when the Dolphins selected Paul that his skills will have to be tuned up to the NFL level, but he is now being thrust into a very important starting left tackle role. Paul’s development has to be at the top of coach Mike McDaniel’s to-do list this offseason
Miami also added rookie interior lineman Jonah Savaiinaea out of Arizona in the second round of the 2025 NFL draft at pick No. 37. Considering the lack of depth within the interior offensive line, Savaiinaea could definitely earn starting role early this season.
“He’s showed up every day just ready to work. He’s very physical, very fast guy, and he gets better every day. I think he’ll be great in the system,” Jackson said of Savaiinaea.
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins RT Austin Jackson stepping into leadership role for young Miami OL
Reporting by James Trefry, Dolphins Wire / Dolphins Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
