QB Malik Willis will miss at least four games after being placed on IR with a groin injury. The injury has reportedly affected his mobility and has developed into a core muscle injury. Kyle McCord, a sixth-round pick for the Eagles in 2025, will start in his place, with practice squad QB Brady Cook likely serving as the backup.
What They're Saying: Willis Sent to IR
Tom Pelissero, The Ringer: “The Dolphins are placing QB Malik Willis on injured reserve. Willis has been battling a groin injury that impacted his mobility. An MRI showed it has now developed into a core muscle injury, which requires rest. Not season-ending, but he’ll miss at least four weeks.”
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Downgrade all Dolphins … A Little
The hope is that Willis returns at some point this season, but McCord will start for the foreseeable future.
The Dolphins' potential fantasy weapons, like RB Ollie Gordon II and Caleb Douglas, certainly need to be downgraded with a young QB with little NFL experience starting, but I wouldn’t jump to completely ignore them.
McCord showed good short- and medium-range accuracy and above-average pocket presence in practice. He even was projected as a potential third to fourth round pick before falling in the draft (I personally graded him as a fourth round pick).
The Dolphins will certainly need to adjust the offense for shorter timing passes, but McCord draws a positive matchup against a weak Colts’ secondary and is worth adding in superflex leagues.
You should still try to avoid using Dolphins players outside of Gordon this week. Douglas can fit at the WR4 level, but we're all really guessing at what Week 1 of McCord will look like.
