Miami Dolphins Believe Left Tackle Avoided Major Injury

The Miami Dolphins should have their star left tackle in place for the stretch run of the season. At his Monday press conference, head coach Mike McDaniel suggested that offensive lineman Terron Armstead would return at some point this year from his pec tear, possibly within the next few weeks.

Added that he "wouldn't put it past" Armstead to play within the next 2-3 weeks.

Said he's "confident he will play again" https://t.co/yJaO41N7dJ
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) November 28, 2022

Armstead exited with his partial tear after 37 snaps in the Dolphins' 30-15 Week 12 win over the Houston Texans. He has started 10 games for the Dolphins this year, earning a solid 77.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus for his efforts.

Even a two to three week absence for Armstead could radically alter the balance in the AFC. At 8-3, the Dolphins currently lead the AFC East. But with road games against the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Chargers, and Buffalo Bills over the next three weeks, the Dolphins could freefall if Armstead's loss sabotages their offense. PFF declared their offensive line the worst in the league following the 2021 season, and Armstead's arrival had gone a long way to lifting the unit to respectability.

Armstead joined Dolphins on a massive 5-year, $75 million deal earlier this year. Prior to the move, he earned three Pro Bowls in nine seasons with the New Orleans Saints, but persistent injury issues kept the Saints from offering him a second long-term contract. He has yet to complete a full season in his NFL career. He also missed nine games during the 2021 season.