Mike Pouncey wants to play but will be out
Miami Dolphins center Mike Pouncey (51) greets teammates during a scrimmage at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Dolphins star center Mike Pouncey was initially listed questionable with an illness, and it was reported yesterday that Pouncey is expected to play in today’s game against the San Diego Chargers. Pouncey missed Friday’s practice with an illness, and the way it’s been worded led us to believe that Pouncey merely had a minor cold or something. But this “illness” isn’t exactly minor, because the NFL Network’s Jeff Darlington reported earlier today that Pouncey needed to be taken to the hospital on Friday due to kidney/gallbladder issues.
Yeah, that’s not minor. Pouncey had hoped to play and still hopes he can play, but it doesn’t sound realistic to expect him to be out there this afternoon against the Chargers due to Friday’s hospitalization. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that not only is Pouncey no longer expected to play, but he “will not play” at all.
There was initially optimism regarding Pouncey’s status, but it’s safe to say that he won’t be playing today (it would be a shock to see him suiting up). It’s a massive blow to the Dolphins, as they already had major problems on the offensive line. Now without their best offensive lineman, it’s going to be an extremely rough day on the ground for the Dolphins. Lamar Miller is a very talented running back, but he just can’t do much behind a dysfunctional line. With Pouncey out, it’s all up to Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins passing attack to take full advantage of a struggling San Diego Chargers secondary.