There were three punts at the start of the game. After the San Francisco 49ers found out they were eliminated from the playoffs, they punted the ball on 4th-and-1. Miami gained 12 yards on the next drive, and the Niners could only muster four yards on the ensuing drive.

Dre Greenlaw didn’t make it to the second defensive series. According to the release, Greenlaw’s return with a calf injury was questionable. He was seen on the sidelines trying to free himself and return but did not have a helmet with him. The good news is that this wasn’t the same leg that Greenlaw suffered an Achilles tendon injury in last year’s Super Bowl.

The Dolphins took an early 3-0 lead after Deoomodore Lenoir caught a fingertip pass intended for Tyreek Hill in the end zone. The defense played with a lot of energy even though their playoff dreams were no longer realistic.

Defensive end Leonard Floyd’s return was also questionable due to a shoulder injury.

After Ricky Pearsall scored for a 21-yard gain, the offense found itself in Dolphins territory for the first time. Purdy’s pass gave Jauan Jennings another first down attempt. After finding Pearsall for five yards on 3rd-and-6, Patrick Taylor scored a first down to keep the offense on the field.

Unfortunately, a pass to Taylor, who was on the money, was dropped and intercepted by a Dolphins defensive lineman. However, the review confirmed that the ball hit the ground and gave the 49ers new life.

Taylor slipped on his next tackle but caught a speeding linebacker, allowing Purdy to find Deebo Samuel. Deebo took a missed shot from the defender and picked up the first down. The offense would have its first red zone chance of the day.