The right side of the Miami Dolphins offensive line has been a turnstile against opponents pass rush this season. However, concern increased about the status of the line when right guard Vernon Carey had his left ankle rolled during the game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving. Carey was injured to the point that he left Cowboys Stadium on crutches following the game.
But now, 4 days later, it looks like Carey will not only be able to play on Sunday against the Oakland Raiders, but actually return to his starters role. Carey has been walking around the team's facilities without the crutches, or even a walking boot, and, reportedly, the swelling on the ankle dissipated within 48-hours of the injury.
An MRI on the ankle returned showing no fracture.
Carey has played 117 games for the Dolphins over his eight year career with the Dolphins, starting 103 of them. He was moved to right guard this season to make room for the newly acquired Marc Colombo at right tackle. Carey restructured his contract during the offseason, allowing him to become a free agent in the offseason, meaning the Miami native, and University of Miami alumnus, may be moving out of South Florida for the first time in his life.
According to Pro Football Focus, Carey is the 38th ranked guard in the NFL this year, and the 18th ranked right guard.