Dolphins news: Kevin Coleman’s heartfelt number change, Bobby Slowik’s offense, and more

Jersey number changes between the end of the preseason and the start of the regular season are fairly common in the NFL, especially when it involves rookies or late free-agent additions who can move to a number freed up after a roster cut. For Dolphins rookie Kevin Coleman, Jr., the opportunity to make a change was one he immediately had to take.

Coleman, a fifth-round pick of the Dolphins this year, spent training camp and the preseason wearing 83, a number formerly worn by Dolphins great Mark Clayton. Now, Coleman will wear number 21. The Palm Beach Post’s Joe Schad looked into why Coleman moved from a typical wide receiver number to one not usually associated with the position:

Very few wide receivers have worn jersey No. 21, so when Miami Dolphins rookie Kevin Coleman Jr. recently switched to that number, some wondered why.

There couldn’t be a more important reason.

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“When 21 popped open, I thought about my brother instantly,” Coleman said in the Dolphins locker room. “My brother passed away October 21st, 2008.”

Coleman’s brother, 18‑month‑old Rashaad, was killed by gunfire in a St. Louis suburb that night.

You can check out the rest of that story here, and the rest of the day’s round-up below.

The heartbreaking reason behind Kevin Coleman’s new Dolphins number – Joe Schad, The Palm Beach Post
Very few wide receivers have worn jersey No. 21, so when Miami Dolphins rookie Kevin Coleman Jr. recently switched to that number, some wondered why.

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How the Dolphins Already Are Ahead of the Game in One Aspect – Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins on SI
The Miami Dolphins are relatively speaking in great shape heading into their season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders

Dolphins’ Chris Bell always believed he would recover from torn ACL ahead of schedule by opener – David Furones, South Florida Sun Sentinel
Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Chris Bell made the recovery from his torn ACL ahead of schedule that many projected, but he said Thursday he always believed he would be ready for his first NFL game, even going back to when he suffered the injury in November.

Dolphins’ De’Von Achane wants rushing title; will odds and defenses be stacked against him? – David Furones, South Florida Sun Sentinel
Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane revealed he has lofty aspirations for the 2026 season. It’s a goal he sets for himself every year, in fact.

Is Jacob Rodriguez the second coming of Zach Thomas? – Omar Kelly, Miami Herald
There’s no possible way to ignore the parallels. Zach Thomas and Jacob Rodriguez are both undersized, Texas-raised linebackers who sunburn easily.

Candor on key Hafley/McDaniel difference. And how Dolphin coach should be judged – Barry Jackson, Miami Herald
Of all the differences between new Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley and predecessor Mike McDaniel, here’s one that seems stark: The tolerance for, and response to, mindless mistakes and rules violations.

Will Dolphin offense be like McDaniel’s? Slowik answers. 10 nuggets from coaches – Barry Jackson, Miami Herald
Ten nuggets from our first regular-season session with five Dolphins assistant coaches:

• New live chat feature during the games
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• Seamlessly jump between communities and conversations
• Faster commenting and posting experience!

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Examining the 12 Pending Dolphins UFAs (And Who’s Most Likely to Stick Around) – Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins on SI
The Miami Dolphins signed a slew of veterans to one-year contracts this year, though many of them already have been cut

Raiders Week 1: Battle of rebuilding teams is must-win for Las Vegas – Ray Aspuria, Silver and Black Pride
Visiting Miami Dolphins have new head coach, GM but with roster lacking, a Silver & Black victory is served up

Klint Kubiak reunites with former Seattle Seahawks player – Bill Williamson, Silver and Black Pride
Young offensive lineman Bryce Cabeldue was claimed off waivers

Nakobe Dean, Quay Walker face tough test against De’Von Achane, Malik Willis in Las Vegas Raiders’ Week 1 key matchups against Miami Dolphins – Matt Holder, Silver and Black Pride
New LBs will see a unique running game against a dual-threat QB and home-run hitting RB

Las Vegas Raiders Week 1: Scouting the Miami Dolphins Defense – Philip Robinson, Silver and Black Pride
Jordyn Brooks was the best tackler in the league in 2025; the Las Vegas Raiders must have a plan if they want to win.

Raiders 2026: Remaining starting job battles – Bill Williamson, Silver and Black Pride
Week 1 will tell a story

Get the best of The Phinsider on the new SB Nation app – Kevin Nogle, The Phinsider
Keep up with the latest Dolphins news and coverage from The Phinsider: Download the SB Nation app today!

NFL odds, winners picks 2026 Week 1: 49ers vs. Rams predictions – Kevin Nogle, The Phinsider
The NFL goes to Australia tonight. Who will win, the 49ers or the Rams?

NFL Week 1 schedule 2026: Where can I watch Dolphins vs. Raiders? TV channel coverage plan – Kevin Nogle, The Phinsider
Where can I watch the Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders game in Week 1?

De’Von Achane aiming for NFL rushing title, ready for Week 1 – Kevin Nogle, The Phinsider
Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane expects a lot of himself this season.

No snap count restrictions for Chris Bell in Dolphins opener – Marek Brave, The Phinsider
Miami’s rookie receiver will be a full-go against Raiders in week one.

What Will the 2026 Dolphins Passing Game Look Like? Let’s Ask the 2022–2023 Packers – Jim Reed, The Phinsider
Packers’ philosophy gives insight into how Dolphins receiver’s room may develop.

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