Getty Image / Kevin Sabitus
Hopes are high for the Miami Dolphins heading into the season. But, the team suffered a huge setback for week one as franchise left tackle and protector of Tua Tagovailoa’s blindside, Terron Armstead, has been ruled out.
The news was announced Friday, just 48 hours before they open the season on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The #Dolphins have ruled out LT Terron Armstead for Sunday's game vs. the Chargers. He's dealing with hip and leg injuries. pic.twitter.com/EpTwkMiBV4
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 8, 2023
Terron Armstead, when healthy is one of the league’s best left tackles. He’s made the Pro Bowl four of the last five seasons, and Miami signed him to a massive 5-year, $75 million deal back in March 2022.
But, he’s too often not on the field. He’s yet to play a full season in his ten years in the league, and has missed 13 games the last two years.
That’s something the Miami Dolphins can’t afford, either. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was excellent last year when he was on the field. He led the league in yards per attempt and adjusted yards per attempt. But, he has battled injuries himself, with two scary head injuries in 2022 that put his career in doubt going forward if they continue.
Tua did take steps this offseason to help prevent those injuries by taking martial arts classes this offseason in order to change the way he falls to avoid injuring his head.
But, the other tackles on the roster are less-than-inspiring. Former first round pick Austin Jackson has been a turnstile since entering the league in 2020. Kendall Lamm and Kion Smith are not even close to starting-caliber players in the NFL. And, going up against two elite pass rushers this weekend in Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack could prove challenging.
The Dolphins will hope to have Armstead back as soon as possible. Their three games after the Chargers are the Patriots, Broncos, and Bills.