Terron Armstead has been ruled out for the Miami Dolphins’ season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
The offensive tackle is dealing with back, ankle and knee injuries, according to the team’s injury report.
Defensive back Elijah Campbell also has been ruled out with a knee injury. Cornerback Justin Bethel and tight end Julian Hill are listed as questionable for the game at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Seven other Dolphins dealing with injuries practiced fully on Friday, which means they are expected to play when they begin the 2023 NFL season. That includes wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who was dealing with an oblique injury during the preseason, and running back De’Von Achane, who injured his shoulder in the second preseason game.
Armstead was injured at a joint practice with the Houston Texans on Aug. 17 and had to be carted away from the sideline with a leg injury. After some initial optimism in the aftermath of the injury, the 32-year-old has been unable to return to action as of yet.
He missed four games last season, his first with Miami, with a series of injuries but 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 but still made the Pro Bowl for the fourth time in his career.
Entering his 11th NFL season, Armstead has played more than 14 games in a campaign just once. He missed nine games in the 2021 season, his last one with the New Orleans Saints.
Campbell played 16 games for the Dolphins last season, his second with them. He was injured in the preseason finale and could be out for a while but reportedly did avoid an ACL tear.
Armstead’s absence could be significant against the Chargers and pass rusher Joey Bosa, who missed significant time with an injury last season. In the prior six seasons, Bosa had at least 10.5 sacks in four of them.
Miami’s prospects for the season revolve heavily around keeping quarterback Tua Tagovailoa healthy. Having to play on the road without arguably its best offensive lineman could make that task more difficult right out of the gate.
