Mike McDaniel provides optimistic update on Terron Armstead

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel provided a positive update on tackle Terron Armstead, who left the Dolphins’ Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills with a shoulder injury.

“Terron is day to day,” said McDaniel. “I’m optimistic.”

The Dolphins certainly would love it if Armstead is able to play in Week 3, especially since quarterback Tua Tagovailoa went down against Buffalo with a concussion.

With backup Skylar Thompson likely in line to start until Tagovailoa is able to return, the Dolphins need to make sure they can protect the former seventh-round pick to give him the best chance to succeed.

Thompson completed eight of his 14 pass attempts against Buffalo in Week 2 for 80 yards. He did not throw a touchdown and took one sack. The youngster also added a four-yard carry in the game.

Armstead, a five-time Pro Bowler, is undoubtedly one of the most important pieces on the Dolphins’ offensive line. If he can’t suit up, Patrick Paul or Kendall Lamm would likely take his place. The Dolphins have Paul listed as Armstead’s direct backup on their depth chart, but he has only appeared on special teams this season.

Lamm, on the other hand, has logged 30 offensive snaps and seven special teams snaps through two games. All 30 of those offensive snaps came in the loss to Buffalo in Week 2.

Over the last three seasons with Miami, Lamm has started nine games and appeared in 20. He played in all 17 of Miami’s matchups in the 2023 season.

Armstead’s durability has been an issue for his entire career. Even though he is one of the best offensive lineman in football, he has never played 16 games in a single season.

Since coming to Miami ahead of the 2022 campaign, Armstead has appeared in 13 and 10 games in his first two full seasons with the Dolphins. While McDaniel may be optimistic, it certainly isn’t a good sign that the veteran tackle is already banged up this early in the season.

Hopefully, Armstead will continue to trend in the right direction ahead of the Week 3 showdown with Seattle. That matchup is scheduled to kick off at 4:05 p.m. EST on Sunday, Sept. 22.