Dolphins promote Brendel, waive Culliver; Mike Pouncey likely unavailable for Sunday

The Miami Dolphins are once again dealing with injuries along the offensive line, with left tackle Branden Albert ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams and center Mike Pouncey officially listed as doubtful. The team signaled the “doubtful” tag next to Pouncey’s name may just be a formality at this point when they promoted center Jake Brendel off the team’s practice squad Saturday, providing depth to the ailing line.

The move seems to indicate Pouncey will be out of the game, Anthony Steen will be the starting center, and Brendel will be the emergency option if needed. Brendel, an undrafted free agent rookie out of UCLA this year, began his career with the Dallas Cowboys, playing with the team through training camp and the preseason before opening the season on the team’s practice squad. He was signed to Miami’s practice squad on October 11.

The Dolphins waived cornerback Chris Culliver to make the roster space for Brendel. Culliver was signed by the Dolphins in August, but was immediately placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list. He was activated from the PUP on November 8, but was inactive for the team’s game last week against the San Diego Chargers.