DAVIE, Fla. -- Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase confirmed Sunday that the team will be without Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey for the rest of the preseason, and there is concern if Pouncey will be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Seattle Seahawks.
That leaves a huge void in the middle of Miami’s offensive line for the next two weeks and possibly more.
What are the Dolphins’ contingency plans at center? Here are three options:
Anthony Steen: The second-year player was the first off the bench to replace Pouncey for a few snaps last week against Dallas. That makes Steen the expected leader in the clubhouse. There isn’t much of a scouting report on Steen, because he’s never played in an NFL regular-season game. However, he’s impressed Gase and the coaching staff during training camp. “He’s worked his way in there,” Gase said of Steen. “It was one of those things where you get in the spring and it’s hard to tell sometimes who your guys are. We’re giving everybody a shot and he’s come out in training camp and really kind of caught our eye as far as doing everything right.”
Jamil Douglas: It’s been a disappointing spring and summer for Douglas. The 2015 fourth-round pick went from a part-time starter as a rookie to a forgotten man this year. Douglas is on the roster bubble, but increased. He started at center for two games last season when Pouncey was injured and was inconsistent. Douglas also started an additional four games at guard, which is his natural position.
Kraig Urbik: The free-agent pickup is one of Miami’s most versatile linemen. Urbik also is experienced with 57 career starts, but center isn’t his best position. Urbik is more helpful to the Dolphins as a backup guard.
Pouncey is one of the toughest players on the team, and the Dolphins are hoping he will be ready for the regular season. But these are the players who will get reps for now and must stay ready in case Pouncey remains out for longer than a couple weeks.
