Terron Armstead looks unlikely to play in the Miami Dolphins’ season opener after the veteran offensive tackle did not practice again on Thursday.
The 32-year-old is dealing with back, ankle and knee injuries according the official injury report for Sunday’s season opener at the Los Angeles Chargers.
Armstead was injured at a joint practice with the Houston Texans on Aug. 17 and had to be taken away from the sideline on a cart with a leg injury. There was some optimism in the immediate aftermath of the injury – teammate Tyreek Hill even playfully joked about it – but the four-time Pro Bowl selection is not yet ready to return.
The starting tackle is arguably the Dolphins’ best offensive lineman, with the unit playing an incredibly important role in trying to protect quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The 25-year-old’s health is considered one of the major keys to Miami’s fortunes this season, and anything that could put that in jeopardy has to be viewed seriously.
Unfortunately, this latest set of ailments are being added to Armstead’s very long injury history. Last season, he reportedly played through a foot injury that drew a recommendation for surgery that would have ended his season. He also appeared on the injury report with toe and pectoral injuries and missed four games but still made the Pro Bowl.
Armstead also suffered multiple injuries with the Saints in 2021 and missed nine games. He has played more than 14 games in an NFL season only once.
There was some good news for the Dolphins on the injury report, with wide receiver Jaylen Waddle listed as a full participant Thursday after getting a “limited” designation on Wednesday. The 24-year-old, who is dealing with an oblique injury, is expected to team with Hill to give the Dolphins one of the best receiving duos in the NFL and will be needed at full strength for a possible shoot-out with the Chargers.
The backfield also appears to be in good shape heading into the opener, with De’Von Achane (shoulder) and Salvon Ahmed (back) both full participants the past two days. They are expected to help carry the load behind starter Raheem Mostert.
The Dolphins listed 11 players on the injury report while the Chargers have just two for this key AFC showdown that has a chance to determine possible playing positioning further down the line this season.
