Dolphins elevate 2 offensive linemen from practice squad for game vs. Vikings
The Dolphins elevated offensive tackles Brandon Shell and Kion Smith from the practice squad for Sunday’s home game against the Minnesota Vikings.
The decision to bring up two linemen instead of one could signal that left tackle Terron Armstead, who has played through a lingering toe injury, may not be able to suit up Sunday.
Armstead left last week’s loss to the New York Jets on the second possession after he reaggravated his toe injury, which he initially sustained in Week 1. He stayed in New York overnight to get further evaluation on the injury. Armstead didn’t practice this week and hasn’t practiced since Week 2. However, Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel has said the veteran does not need to practice during the week to play.
“The one thing that myself, the coaching staff and his teammates know is if [Terron is] not able to play, it’s because he’s physically unable to play,” McDaniel said Monday.
Since Week 2, the Dolphins have elevated one offensive lineman from the practice squad, giving them eight active players on game day. The team used all three of its permitted elevations on Larnel Coleman. This is the second consecutive elevation for Shell and the first of the season for Smith. After a player is elevated from the practice squad three times, they must be signed to the 53-man roster or go through waivers after a subsequent elevation.
Shell, who has started 61 NFL games, filled in for Armstead last Sunday. In his six-year career, he’s primarily played right tackle. Greg Little, who has started the last five games at right tackle, said he practiced at both tackle spots this week.
Starting right tackle Austin Jackson was designated to return from injured reserve this week and practiced on Wednesday and Thursday. However, he was not activated to the 53-man roster ahead of the 4 p.m. Saturday and will miss his fifth straight game because of an ankle injury.
This story was originally published October 15, 2022 at 4:25 PM.
