Ja'Wuan James injury could lead to 4-6 week absence

Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Ja'Wuan James left the team's game against the New England Patriots during the first half with what was described as a toe injury. The issue prevented James from returning to the game, and the Dolphins clearly missed the second year offensive lineman as Jason Fox struggled in replacing him.

According to a report from the Palm Beach Post's Andrew Abramson, the Dolphins have to find a way to fix their offensive line problems without their 2014 first-round draft pick, as James could miss 4-6 weeks with the toe injury.

"We know it's not good, but we don't know quite how bad it is yet," head coach Dan Campbell replied when asked about the 4-6 week timetable for James' return.

James still makes mistakes like a young player, but he is clearly improving overall. Last season, he started all 16 games for the Dolphins, initially as the teams right tackle, later moving to left tackle when the team lost Branden Albert to a knee injury. This year, Miami wanted to keep James at right tackle as much as possible, allowing him to grow into his natural position.

"That would be a big loss for us," Campbell said of the loss of James. "Ja'Wuan is in his second year, he's been playing good football for us and he's coming around like a second-year player should. He's an athletic guy, he's a hard worker, but Jason Fox will step in and he'll do a nice job for us and he's played a lot of football himself."

If Fox is not effective as James' replacement, Miami could consider using Jeff LInkenbach, who was inactive against the Patriots, or could consider moving Dallas Thomas out to the tackle position, a spot he played in college, and re-insert Jamil Douglas at guard. The Dolphins have eight days until they next play, heading to upstate New YorkMiami Dolphins tackle Ja'Wuan James could miss 4-6 weeks according to a report. next weekend to face the Buffalo Bills.