Dolphins LT Branden Albert Ruled Out For Sunday's Game In Los Angeles
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SAN DIEGO (CBSMiami) – The Miami Dolphins amazing turnaround has gotten the attention of the entire NFL.
After beginning the season with just one win in five games, the Dolphins have now won four straight and look to make it five in a row against the struggling Los Angeles Rams.
A big part of the Dolphins resurgence has been due to the team's offensive line, a unit that will be shorthanded for the first time during the streak on Sunday.
Starting left tackle Branden Albert has been ruled out of the game with a wrist injury he suffered during the Dolphins win in San Diego last Sunday.
He left that game during the second quarter but later returned and finished the game while wearing a brace.
"I think anytime you lose the player that has been as good of a leader as he has been, it's always tough to replace a guy like that," said Dolphins head coach Adam Gase. "I think we are strong enough though with [Mike] Pouncey and Ja'Wuan [James] and Jermon [Bushrod] as far as veteran guys that have been working together here for a little bit."
Rookie Laremy Tunsil played left tackle in college and will slide over from left guard to replace Albert on Sunday.
Either Kraig Urbik or Anthony Steen will replace Tunsil at left guard.
When Tunsil replaced Albert in San Diego, it was Urbik who played in the rookie's spot at guard.
"I have confidence in those guys," Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill said. "I think Tunsil has already played a game for us at left tackle. It's a position he has got a lot of experience at in college and high school as well. Practice will be good for him this week to get back into that groove a little bit, and Urbik is stepping in. He stepped in a couple of times throughout the year for us, and we have a lot of confidence in him as well."
While Gase has confidence in the offensive line, he is quick to acknowledge the tough test that the Rams' defensive front will bring.
"I feel good as far as how those guys will work together," Gase said. "Obviously, they probably have their toughest test that what we've had so far. We played four really tough fronts the last four weeks, and they've done well, but at the end of the day, this is probably going to be our biggest challenge."
Albert, a two-time Pro Bowler, has already missed two games this season. One was due to an ankle injury and the other was because of an illness.
On Tuesday the NFL named Albert as one of their 32 nominees for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award.
It goes to players who show "the qualities of on-field sportsmanship, including fair play, respect for the game and opponents, and integrity in competition."
One nominee is selected from each team in the league.
Recent winners include Charles Woodson of the Oakland Raiders in 2015 and Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals in 2014.
