Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel wants to see offensive tackle Terron Armstead at practice on Friday before making a determination on his status for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
While McDaniel didn’t commit to Armstead actually practicing on Friday, the veteran will be put through some drills. He’s been listed on Miami’s injury report with back, ankle and knee injuries.
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel says he wants to see Terron Armstead Friday before making a determination on his status for game day. He didn't commit to Armstead "practicing," but said team will put him through some drills.
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) September 8, 2023
Armstead is an extremely important part of the Dolphins’ offensive line, so the team certainly would love to have him in Week 1 against the Chargers. Los Angeles has a solid pass rush that features Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.
Bosa was limited to just five games last season, but Mack had eight sacks for the Chargers in 17 games. The Dolphins will need to keep both under wraps in order to keep quarterback Tua Tagovailoa upright on Sunday.
A four-time Pro Bowler, Armstead appeared in 13 games for the Dolphins in the 2022 season. He did miss time with injuries, so it’s not a great sign that he’s already banged up entering the 2023 campaign.
When healthy, Armstead is one of the better tackles in the NFL, but he was limited to just eight games due to injury in the 2021 season when he was with the New Orleans Saints. Armstead has never appeared in every game in an NFL season, and he has appeared in 10 or less games in four of the last seven seasons.
Keeping Tagovailoa upright has to be the Dolphins’ No. 1 concern in the 2023 campaign after he suffered multiple concussions in the 2022 campaign. In 13 games in the 2022 season, Tagovailoa was sacked 21 times.
The Dolphins have Kendall Lamm listed as the backup left tackle on the team’s depth chart, so it’s possible that he could start in Week 1 if Armstead is unable to go.
An eight-year veteran, Lamm appeared in one game for the Dolphins in the 2022 season. In his NFL career, he’s appeared in 87 games and made 29 starts. That’s some solid experience at least to lean back on.
For now, Dolphins fans have to hope that Armstead can do something at Friday’s practice to receive a positive designation for Week 1.
