Dolphins sign Jeff Linkenbach to bolster offensive line

Dallas Thomas and Billy Turner have some competition for the starting guard spot on the Miami Dolphins' roster as the team has added veteran guard Jeff Linkenbach. Heading into his sixth season in the NFL, Linkenbach has experience at tackle and guard, and should be able to at least push the two youngsters as the team looks to solidfy the interior of the offensive line.

Linkenbach entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Indianapolis Colts. In four years with the club, he appeared in 60 games, with 33 starts, primarily playing right tackle or left guard. He spent last season with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he appeared in all 16 games, with three starts.

Ideally, Linkenbach comes in as a depth signing, able to fill the flex offensive lineman role previously held by Nate Garner. That does not prevent him from moving into the starting lineup if either Thomas, entering his third year in the league, or Turner, entering his second, are not ready to be the full time starter at guard.

Miami is set at the other positions on the offensive line, with Pro Bowl left tackle Branden Albert, Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey, and last year's first-round draft pick Ja'Wuan James. There is some concern about Albert's availability for the start of the season after he tore his ACL and MCL in November, but he is taking part in the team's offseason training program and is working to be ready for the season opener against the Washington Redskins in September.