Branden Albert injury could keep him out until Week 3

The Miami Dolphins are preparing to face the Atlanta Falcons in the third week of the preseason, the third exhibition game in which they will play without Pro Bowl left tackle Branden Albert. Albert, who tore his ACL mid-season last year, has been working to return to the team as early as possible, while attempting to take care of his surgically repaired knee. According to a report from ESPN's Adam Caplan, Albert might not be ready for the regular season opener in two weeks.

#Dolphins LT Branden Albert (knee) is out tonight, won't play next week, either. Source said don't expect him back until week 3 vs. #Bills.

— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) August 29, 2015

Albert has worked hard to get back. He's making progress. G Dallas Thomas fills in at LT.

— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) August 29, 2015

That would be bad news for the Dolphins, who need to get the offensive line in order, and better protecting quarterback Ryan Tannehill, if they are going to find success this year. Guard Dallas Thomas moves into the starting left tackle position tonight, filling in for both Albert and second-string tackle Jason Fox who is battling through a concussion. Miami has to hope that the offensive line is healthy by the time the season starts, even if it is the rest of the offensive line outside of Albert.

Caplan did also mention starting cornerback Jamar Taylor, who is inactive for tonight's game and likely to sit out next week's preseason finale as well. Taylor, who is dealing with a quadriceps injury, is expected to be ready for the start of the season.