The Miami Dolphins offensive line bullied the rival New England Patriots in Week 1, but it was a different story in yesterday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills. Not only that, but the Dolphins lost starting right guard Shelley Smith, who was a solid veteran offseason signing to the big splash of star left tackle Branden Albert from the Kansas City Chiefs.
Phin Phanatic
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Smith suffered a Grade 2 knee sprain against the Bills and is expected to miss two to four weeks, and it’s a tough loss to a line that can’t afford any more injuries with star center Mike Pouncey still on the shelf. Youngster Dallas Thomas replaced Smith at right guard yesterday and didn’t look bad, but that might not hold up. Still, Thomas is clearly the top backup there and should start over these next few weeks.
With Knowshon Moreno out for 4-8 weeks, it’s all on Lamar Miller to perform at a high level, though injuries are starting to make this year’s offensive line look a little more like last year’s version up the middle. Smith is a reliable starter who will be missed, but the fact that it’s a 2-4 week injury means that it isn’t a big long-term issue for the playoff contenders.