:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51997975/usa_today_9512076.0.jpeg)
The Miami Dolphins offensive line may start their Week 12 game against the San Francisco 49ers with the same offensive line that ended the game against the Los Angeles Rams last weekend. Normally, that consistency could be seen as a good sign for the Dolphins, but when that offensive line is missing three starters, two Pro Bowlers and a first-round rookie, it is not a good look for Miami this upcoming weekend.
“I won’t know … It’s going to be to the wire,” Dolphins head coach Adam Gase said of rookie left guard/left tackle Laremy Tunsil’s availability for Sunday. Tunsil left the Rams game in the second quarter with a shoulder injury. “We did what we could with him [at Wednesday’s practice]. We’ve got time. We’ll see what happens. We’ve got to see how he feels.”
Meanwhile, neither Albert, who dislocated his wrist during the team’s Week 10 game against the San Diego Chargers, nor Pouncey, who is dealing with a hip injury, have practiced during the first two workouts of the week. Tunsil was officially “limited” on both Wednesday and Thursday.
If none of the three are able to play, Miami’s left side of the offensive line, from center out, will likely be Anthony Steen, Kraig Urbik, and Sam Young. Starters Jermon Bushrod and Ja’Wuan James will respectively man the right guard and tackle positions.
Gase explained that he does not know the exact nature of the injury to Tunsil, but that it is painful for him to move his arm and to have any contact. “It’s more of how much movement does he have,” Gase added when asked if it was a pain management issue for Tunsil, or if there is fear he could do more damage to the shoulder..” That’s the hardest thing. If he has to play left tackle, he has to be able to get his hands on guys. You’re getting hit every play. It’s a little bit of everything. It’s movement; it’s mobility. You’re going to have to really play through some uncomfortable circumstances.”
The Dolphins host the 49ers on Sunday at 1pm ET. It will mark the third-straight game for the team against a California franchise after games at the Chargers and at the Rams. Miami is currently on a five-game winning streak heading into this weekend’s contest.