Yes, it's just two meaninglesspreseason games, but the Miami Dolphins have struggled to protect quarterback Ryan Tannehill out of the gate.
Jonathan Martin is a mixed bag at left tackle, and depth is a concern at right guard, where a handful of backups have attempted to fill the shoes of John Jerry, who's been missing since the first week of training camp with an ailing knee. Now, one of those backups, Nate Garner, has injury concerns of his own.
NFL.com's Jeff Darlington reported Wednesday that Garner "hurt his shoulder bad" Monday, according to a team source. Garner is out indefinitely, leaving the Dolphins without their most versatile reserve.
Dolphins coach Joe Philbin acknowledged this week that Garner was a "contender" for the right guard spot in Jerry's absence. Garner started four games at right tackle last season and plays everywhere but center. That's not easy to find in the NFL.
Miami hardly can afford to lose help on the line. The Dolphins have struggled as a run-blocking unit this summer, and Tannehill is seeing too much pressure. For all the heady offseason additions, there won't be much to cheer about in South Beach if the quarterback is running for his life.
The Around The League Podcast is now available on iTunes! Click here to listen and subscribe.
