The Miami Dolphins' playoff chances took a major hit on Sunday when not only did they lose to the Detroit Lions (in excruciating fashion, no less), but they also lost Pro Bowl left tackle Branden Albert for the season. Head coach Joe Philbin announced Monday that Albert would be placed on injured reserve.
Branden Albert out for season with torn ACL, MCL
The Dolphins now turn to Ja’Wuan James on the left side.
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Albert was injured in the second quarter when former Dolphin Andre Fluellen fell into his right leg. Albert immediately collapsed to the ground and had to be carted off the field. An MRI on Monday showed that Albert had torn his ACL and MCL, per Ian Rapoport.
The Dolphins gave Albert a five-year, $47 million contract to lure him in free agency and he has been the key factor in a major turnaround for the offensive line. A unit that allowed a league-worst 58 sacks in 2013 is on pace to give up just 36 this season and quarterback Ryan Tannehill has played the best ball of his career behind the increased protection. Albert has given up three sacks and just six quarterback hurries, grading out as the fourth best offensive tackle in the league at Pro Football Focus.
Dolphins blog The Phinsider breaks down the juggling Miami had to do on the O-line after Albert went down.
After Albert's departure, rookie right tackle Ja'Wuan James moved to the left tackle position, with second year lineman Dallas Thomas moving from left guard to right tackle to fill in for James. Shelley Smith replaced Thomas at left guard and will likely move into the starting lineup if Daryn Colledge, who has missed the last two games with a back injury, is not able to play in Week 11.
James is a clear step down from Albert at left tackle -- the rookie has allowed two sacks, eight quarterback hits and 16 hurries -- but the real problem is on the right side. Thomas has just four starts in his two NFL seasons, none of them at tackle.
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