NFL rosters are basically a game of musical chairs played at 100 miles per hour, and honestly, the Miami Dolphins have been right in the thick of it lately. If you haven't been refreshing your feed every five minutes, it’s easy to lose track of who’s actually in the building and who’s headed to the training table. Between a massive blow to the secondary and a familiar name returning to the quarterback room, the Dolphins roster moves regarding Gabbert and Kohou have sparked plenty of chatter among the Phins faithful.
The Brutal Reality of the Kader Kohou Injury
Football is a game of "next man up," but sometimes that mantra feels a little hollow. When news broke that cornerback Kader Kohou was being placed on injured reserve, it wasn't just another transaction on a spreadsheet. It was a gut punch. Kohou, the former undrafted free agent who worked his way into being a cornerstone of the secondary, suffered a torn ACL during a training camp practice while going up against Tyreek Hill in one-on-ones.
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You hate to see it.
Coach Mike McDaniel didn't hide his emotions either, admitting he was "crushed" by the news. Kohou had appeared in 47 games for Miami with 38 starts, carving out a role as a reliable, tough defender who wasn't afraid to mix it up in the slot or on the boundary. Losing him for the 2025-2026 campaign leaves a massive void. With Kohou out, the Dolphins have had to scramble. They’ve leaned heavily on veterans like Jack Jones and Mike Hilton to pick up the slack, but the chemistry Kohou brought to that defensive backfield isn't something you just replace overnight.
As we look toward the 2026 offseason, Kohou’s status is a huge question mark. Since he was playing on a restricted free agent tender, he’s scheduled to hit the open market. This injury essentially erased a "platform year" for him to prove he deserved a massive long-term contract.
Brett Gabbert Returns to South Florida
While one door closed for Kohou, another reopened for a name that sounds very familiar to NFL fans. To fill the roster spot left by the cornerback, the team brought back quarterback Brett Gabbert.
Yes, he’s the younger brother of veteran QB Blaine Gabbert.
Brett’s journey with the Dolphins has already been a bit of a rollercoaster. He originally signed as an undrafted free agent out of Miami (Ohio) back in May 2025, but the team waived him in late July to make room for offensive line help. Then, just a few days later, the Kohou injury happened, and suddenly the Dolphins needed another arm for camp.
Gabbert isn't exactly a scrub. He was a three-time All-MAC selection and finished his college career with over 10,000 passing yards and 80 touchdowns. He’s essentially the definition of a "camp arm" right now—someone who can take the snaps that Tua Tagovailoa or Zach Wilson don't need to be taking in the heat of August—but he knows the system.
How the Secondary Responded
With Kohou sidelined, the Dolphins' defensive identity had to shift. You’ve seen guys like Storm Duck and Cam Smith get pushed into more prominent roles. It's been a mixed bag.
"I was crushed until I talked to Kader... honestly, Kader made me feel a little bit better, simply by his mindset." — Mike McDaniel
That quote from McDaniel tells you everything about the culture in Miami. They value the "person" as much as the "player," but the scoreboard doesn't care about feelings. The reality is that the secondary has been thin. Beyond the Kohou injury, the team also lost Artie Burns to a torn ACL early in camp. That’s two potential starters or high-end depth pieces gone before the first preseason game even kicked off.
Breaking Down the Numbers
If you're a stats person, here is the raw data on what Miami is missing without Kohou on the field:
- Tackles: 180 (148 solo)
- Interceptions: 3
- Passes Defensed: 28
- Experience: 38 starts over three seasons
Compare that to Brett Gabbert’s college resume:
- Career Passing Yards: 10,814
- Touchdowns: 80
- Starts: 53 games
The contrast is wild. One is a proven NFL starter fighting for his career after a major injury; the other is a rookie trying to prove he belongs on a practice squad. That’s the nature of these Dolphins roster moves. It’s a constant balancing act between finding immediate help and planning for the long term.
What Happens Next for the Phins?
Looking ahead, the Dolphins are in a tricky spot. The 2026 cap numbers are already looming large, with Tua Tagovailoa carrying a massive $56.4 million hit. That means they can't just go out and buy a whole new secondary in free agency. They need guys like Kohou to get healthy, and they need cheap, young talent to step up.
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Next steps for fans and the front office:
- Monitor Kohou's Rehab: His recovery timeline will dictate whether the Dolphins need to prioritize a cornerback in the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.
- Evaluate the Backup QB Battle: Brett Gabbert is a long shot for the final 53-man roster, but his performance in the preseason determines if he’s a viable practice squad candidate.
- Watch the Waiver Wire: Don't be surprised if the Dolphins make another move for a veteran corner. The current group is talented but incredibly young and lacks the "battle-tested" resume Kohou provided.
The Dolphins roster moves regarding Gabbert and Kohou are more than just transactions; they represent the fragility of an NFL season. One snap changes a career, and one phone call gives another player a second chance.
Keep an eye on the injury reports as we head into the final stretch of the season. The depth of this roster is being tested in ways Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel probably didn't anticipate back in the spring.
The focus now remains on getting the most out of the available bodies while hoping Kohou’s "guarantee" to come back better holds true for the 2026 season.