New Miami Dolphins center Jonotthan Harrison was just chilling at home when he got the call this week that he was needed back in the NFL.
“The honest truth, I was sitting on the couch with my wife, and we were about to eat some food and watching Netflix,” Harrison said. “Being completely honest.”
With starting center Connor Williams lost for the season with a knee injury, the Dolphins reached out to Harrison. The 32-year-old has not played in an NFL game since 2019, coincidentally for the New York Jets, who are Miami’s opponent on Sunday.
The University of Florida product has appeared in 84 NFL games over six seasons — three each with the Indianapolis Colts and Jets – and has started 42 of them. It’s possible he could be called upon to start Sunday after Williams suffered a torn ACL against the Tennessee Titans on Monday night and Liam Eichenberg injured his calf.
Eichenberg fortunately is not listed on Miami’s injury report for this week. But if needed, Harrison should be somewhat prepared for action as he has remained connected to the game.
“I was transitioning to strength training offensive and defensive linemen,” he said. “It’s something I’m passionate about. I feel like I can offer mentorship and development skills.”
Miami also added center Matt Skura to the practice squad. The 30-year-old played nine games for the Los Angeles Rams during the 2022 season and has appeared in 77 NFL games with 73 starts over six seasons that includes time with the Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants.
The Dolphins were already dealing with injuries to offensive linemen Terron Armstead (knee/ankle) and Robert Hunt (hamstring) before Williams’ injury, which landed the 26-year-old on injured reserve.
Miami also sustained injuries to star wide receiver Tyreek Hill and safety DeShon Elliott during the surprising 28-27 loss to the Titans. Hill injured his ankle early in the game but was able to return to the contest, though he did not play his full complement of snaps. Elliott entered concussion protocol, and he will not be available on Sunday.
The Dolphins are taking a 9-4 record into the game against the Jets, with matchups against the Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills remaining in the regular season.
Those games would have been difficult enough had the Dolphins been at full strength. Now they must enter the final stage of the season without their starting center and possibly using someone who was relaxing on his couch just a few days ago.
