Daniel Thomas in crutches, walking boot
Miami Dolphins running back Daniel Thomas (33) is carted off the field in the second half of a game against the Carolina Panthers at Sun Life Stadium. The Panthers won 20-16. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Dolphins had better hope that center Mike Pouncey’s gallbladder issue can subside soon, because this offensive line desperately needs him to help generate some more push. In a narrow loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, the Dolphins woes on the ground continued, and only Ryan Tannehill could get anything going on the ground. Lamar Miller, who clearly doesn’t lack talent, was only able to muster eight yards on ten carries, and No. 2 RB Daniel Thomas wasn’t much better with just eight yards on three carries.
To make matters worse, Thomas picked up a nasty looking ankle injury in the third quarter and needed to be carted off the field. According to the Miami Herald’s Adam Beasley, Thomas was spotted in crutches and a walking boot following Sunday’s game, which indicates that he could be out for a significant chunk of time. No updates have been given, but this doesn’t sound like good news at all.
Detroit Lions strong safety Glover Quin (trust me, there’s a point to referencing him other than his awesome name) was spotted in a walking boot at the beginning of last week, leading to fears that he wouldn’t able to play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. One game later, he was back on the field and practicing.
So there’s always a chance that the Dolphins are just being incredibly cautious. But here’s the rub, Quin wasn’t in crutches and Thomas is, so they are totally different cases. There’s still some hope that Thomas’s injury isn’t as bad as we think, but Dolphins fans should prepare for the worst news.
Miller would be the full-time back, Florida Gators rookie Mike Gillislee will be the backup, and the Dolphins will probably continue to struggle on the ground. Thomas clearly isn’t as good as Miller, who has all the talent to be a feature back. But what really ails the Dolphins and what will prevent them from success on the ground is the fact that their offensive line stinks right now. Pouncey’s return would help big-time, but that’s not even enough. Losing Thomas just makes things worse, too, and this is a significant injury heading into next week’s vastly important game against the New York Jets, who boast an elite run defense.