Miami Dolphins Randy Starks in boot with toe injury

Miami Dolphins star defensive tackle Randy Starks recorded just one tackle and a pass defended in the team’s upset victory over the New England Patriots, but he did so much more than what was recorded on the stat sheet. The always-instrumental veteran consistently put pressure on Tom Brady, who was frustrated all game long behind an offensive line that is trying to get it together after losing Logan Mankins via a controversial trade. The Patriots interior looked overwhelmed, and newcomer Earl Mitchell made his presence felt next to Starks, who re-signed with the team this offseason.

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Starks is one of the most dependably dominant defensive tackle in the game on a year-to-year basis, and he’s become a fixture at the heart of the Dolphins defense. It didn’t seem like he picked up an injury on Sunday, but the Palm Beach Post’s Andrew Abramson reports that Starks is in a walking boot because of a toe injury of unspecified severity.

Toe injuries can be tricky and often fluctuate between levels of severity, but this seems like a minor issue until further notice. The Dolphins will play an easier AFC East rival this week in the Buffalo Bills, and having Starks healthy would be a great way to frustrate quarterback E.J. Manuel. Interior pressure kills quarterbacks, and Starks is a consistently disruptive presence on the defensive line.