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We are currently making our way through the Miami Dolphins' 90-man offseason roster, breaking down last season for each player, as well as what could happen this year. Today, we continue today with a look at guard Lance Louis.
Previous Roster Breakdowns: Jonathan Freeny Jordan Kovacs Dion Jordan Chris Burnette Josh Samuda Brian Thomas Keelan Johnson Jeff Fuller Jamar Taylor Michael Egnew Vaughn Martin Michael Clay
(Photo courtesy Don McPeak-US Presswire)
Previous Roster Breakdowns: Chad Bumphis Marcus Thigpen Aaron Corp Jelani Jenkins Jonathan Martin Tristan Okpalaugo Reshad Jones Jeff Adams John Denney Philip Wheeler Cameron Wake Marvin McNutt Dallas Thomas
2012 Review:
Louis was having a great year, and was probably the Chicago Bears' top offensive lineman through 10 games. The 11th game proved to be a bad one for Louis, however. BEars quarterback Jay Cutler threw an interception to Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield. Louis turned to try to make a play on Winfield, only to be blindsided by Vikings defensive end Jared Allen. As Louis when down, his left leg stuck in the field, and he limped off the field.
Allen was fined $21,000 for the hit, but Louis lost the remainder of the season with a torn ACL.
Why he could improve in 2013:
Louis is a solid offensive lineman, who should be fighting for a starting position if his knee is fully healed. He will likely be looking to unseat John Jerry, though, with training camp underway, the team is already experimenting with Dallas Thomas and Josh Samuda moving into the starting lineup.
Louis played in a hybrid zone blocking scheme in Chicago, so he should transition to the Dolphins' offensive line fairly quickly.
Why he could regress in 2013:
It's all about his left knee. Right now, the team is bringing him along slowly, trying to let his knee finish its recovery, while making sure he does not get hurt again. Once his knee is cleared for full action, it will be up to Louis to trust it. If he is unable to make the team, or gets mired deep on the depth chart, it's likely all because of his knee.
Odds he will make the 53-man roster:
Louis is probably going to make the roster, assuming his knee is healthy. If not, he could end up on injured reserve for a second straight year. Potentially, he could be the team's designated IR player, capable of coming back later in the year, but the team will likely look to use that only if no one else gets seriously injured. Really, it's probably injured reserve or active roster for Louis.