MIAMI GARDENS ― Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel says most players with Austin Jackson's toe injury would be on season-ending injured reserve.
Jackson is not, instead playing through the injury in Miami's recent 21-17 defeat of New Orleans.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"I need to get surgery after this season," Jackson said after Miami's last game. "But I went a non-surgical approach for now, see how I could go. And I've been playing pretty well, so I just keep going from there."
Jackson said the injury, which kept him out 10 games is similar to turf toe.
"It's in the turf toe realm," Jackson said. "The bones in the big toe, a little cracky."
When Jackson is healthy and at right tackle, Miami has a much better offensive line.
Jackson has missed too many games in his career due to injury, but it's not that he doesn't want to play. What he's chosen to do down the stretch of this season is proof.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"After the casting and the PRP (platelet-rich plasma) shot, I feel better," Jackson said. "Just a little bit of pain. There's nothing to hinder me from doing what I need to do."
Miami Dolphins' Austin Jackson delaying toe surgery
Jackson allowed three pressures and no sacks in his return to the lineup, according to Pro Football Focus.
"There’s a consequence for that amount of time missed but overall, he probably exceeded my expectations to a degree and made us a better football team with his tonality, his aggressive conviction and his competitiveness," McDaniel said. "He fits into the style of ball that we’ve been playing."
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJackson, 26, is probably Miami's right tackle in 2026, though the team could cut him after June 1 at a reasonable cap hit. Perhaps his performance at the end of this season can ensure his status.
Jan 13, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Miami Dolphins tackle Austin Jackson (73) lines up against the Kansas City Chiefs in a 2024 AFC wild card game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY SportsJackson has been pretty impressed by the progress of Miami's offensive line while he was out. He believes in offensive line coach Butch Barry.
"Everyone has a standard to uphold, and he's gonna keep you honest," Jackson said. "And we have a room of guys that don't run from challenges."
The Dolphins have won three in a row and four of five.
What has Jackson observed about Miami's recent play?
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"I know our intentions have always been there," Jackson said. "I will credit the team for never giving up. Just like, everything going wrong, it's easy to jump into like a scapegoat culture. I haven't seen that. I've seen guys hold each other accountable and get better. I think that is kind of helping us turn it around."
Miami Dolphins o-line boosted by Austin Jackson
The Dolphins believe Jackson will continue to ascend as he shakes the rust of being inactive.
Why didn't Jackson just have surgery and shut it down?
"This is my job, my purpose," Jackson said. "I love to with the Miami Dolphins. I was excited to be back out there. Loved every minute of it, honestly."
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Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins boosted by return of Austin Jackson, who delays surgery
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