The Miami Dolphins’ offensive line is the team’s most uncertain segment, with issues persisting throughout the initial training camp practices. Issues were particularly evident Tuesday, with a troubling number of misfires on center-quarterback exchanges, arguably worse than the previous day’s struggles.
There are also fitness concerns. Isaiah Wynn, expected to start at left guard, remains sidelined on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list due to a quad injury from last season. Meanwhile, left tackle Terron Armstead only participated in limited individual drills on Tuesday, his first appearance of the season.
Despite Armstead’s proven track record of performing well despite limited practice time, Wynn’s ongoing absence is increasingly problematic, considering his history with injuries. The uncertainty around his return remains as Coach Mike McDaniel indicated that Wynn is still diligently progressing through his recovery process, but without a precise timeline.
Competition for starting positions is particularly heated among the guards, with players like Liam Eichenberg, Robert Jones, Lester Cotton, and possibly newcomer Jack Driscoll vying for roles. However, clarity on the definitive starting lineup could still be some distance away, according to McDaniel.
The coach expressed a methodical approach to evaluating the competitions, focusing sharply on each player’s response to various practice scenarios rather than rushing any decisions. He emphasized the importance of learning from both successful plays and mistakes due to the everyday challenges posed by their defense.
Practically, the most immediate concern for the line is the inaccurate snaps and exchanges troubling the quarterbacks, with three failed exchanges noted over the last couple of sessions alone. New nuances in snapping from center Aaron Brewer, who is replacing former starter Connor Williams, have required adjustments.
Although training camp is just beginning, and there’s time for improvement, the line’s performance so far is a significant worry, with apparent issues needing swift resolution to ensure both quarterback safety and offensive efficacy.