Dolphins rookie Liam Eichenberg starts at left tackle in debut vs. Patriots
Dolphins rookie offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg made his debut starting at left tackle against the New England Patriots on Sunday.
The second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft was given the starting opportunity because Austin Jackson missed practice after landing on the reserve/COVID-19 list the Monday leading up to the season opener.
Jackson, a 2020 first-round pick, was active for the game but coach Brian Flores opted not to start him. Jackson was activated from the list on Saturday and flew separately from the team to Foxborough. The Dolphins listed Jackson as questionable with a non-injury-related illness but removed the injury designation on Sunday morning.
Eichenberg said the team’s 17-16 win over New England was a “good experience” but said he needed to clean up some things with his play, particularly the two holding penalties he was flagged for. Eichenberg was also overpowered and knocked to the ground by Patriots outside linebacker Josh Uche, giving up a sack that forced a field goal from Jason Sanders before halftime.
Eichenberg said he was notified Sunday morning that he would be starting at left tackle. While Eichenberg practiced exclusively at left guard and right tackle in training camp, he started 38 games in three seasons at left tackle at Notre Dame.
“For me, it’s just getting out there and playing wherever they need me to be,” Eichenberg said.
2020 first-round pick inactive
Cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, a 2020 first-round pick, was inactive for the Dolphins’ season-opening win. Igbinoghene was a healthy scratch.
The No. 30 overall pick in last year’s draft struggled as a rookie and had an up-and-down summer. In training camp, he appeared to be leapfrogged by Nik Needham as the defense’s third boundary receiver. With Igbinoghene inactive, the Dolphins had five cornerbacks active: Needham, Xavien Howard, Byron Jones, Justin Coleman and Jamal Perry, who was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster as a COVID-19 replacement for tight end Adam Shaheen.
Wide receiver Preston Williams (foot) was also inactive. Williams, listed as questionable, was limited throughout the week.
Defensive backs Elijah Campbell and Trill Williams, and offensive tackle Greg Little were also inactive.
Wide receiver Nelson Agholor and safety Jalen Mills, both of whom were listed as questionable, were active for the Patriots.
New England deactivated linebacker Ronnie Perkins (shoulder), running back J.J. Taylor, tight end Devin Asiasi, offensive tackle Yodny Cajuste (hamstring), cornerback Shaun Wade and kicker Quinn Nordin. The Patriots previously ruled out former Dolphins wide receiver Malcolm Perry with a foot injury and later placed him on injured reserve.
Davis injures knee
Dolphins defensive lineman Raekwon Davis injured his knee in the first quarter and did not return to the game.
Davis sustained the injury on the sixth play from scrimmage. The team listed him as questionable to return but after coming out of the blue medical tent, he did not come back into the game. He remained on the sideline throughout the game.
The severity of Davis’ injury is unknown and no update was provided after the game.
Without Davis, the team’s starting nose tackle, the Patriots rushed for 125 yards on 30 carries. The Dolphins defense also only sacked Patriots rookie quarterback Mac Jones once.
Alabama ties
Sunday’s game featured a reunion of several former Alabama players who had quality performances for their respective teams.
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 16-of-27 passes for 202 yards, two total touchdowns and an interception while Jones, Tagovailoa’s teammate from 2017-20, completed 29-of-39 passes for 281 yards and one touchdown.
“I was happy for him,” Tagovailoa said. “It being his first real game with a crowd like this, I thought he made some really good throws. Their execution on third down was really good and Mac looks like he fits perfectly into their offense.”
Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who played with both quarterbacks, caught four passes for 61 yards and his first NFL touchdown. Waddle said he gave the ball he scored with to his mom after the game.
Waddle also said he was able to watch former teammate DeVonta Smith, selected four picks after, catch his first NFL touchdown earlier in the afternoon with the Philadephia Eagles.
“I saw before so I was keeping tabs on ‘Smitty’ [Smith]. I love watching ‘Smitty’ play,” Waddle said.
This story was originally published September 12, 2021 at 3:15 PM.
