DAVIE, Fla. -- It is no secret that the most valuable group for the Miami Dolphins (7-4) this season has been their offensive line. The team is 4-0 this year when all five starters are healthy and 3-4 when that’s not the case.
On Wednesday, Miami got some good news on the injury front with left tackle Branden Albert and rookie guard Laremy Tunsil both participating in practice. Tunsil practiced last week in a limited capacity but didn’t play against the San Francisco 49ers due to a shoulder injury. Albert didn’t practice last week and also sat out the game.
“It looks better for us than it did last week,” Dolphins head coach Adam Gase said. “Last week we never had either one of those two guys even be able to take a real rep in practice, and BA [Albert] didn’t even suit up for individuals. Just getting those two guys out there, at least that gives us an opportunity that we could have those two guys back. But it’s still Wednesday.”
The left side of #Dolphins' O-line (Branden Albert/Laremy Tunsil) is practicing Wednesday. If both can play Sunday, that would big vs. BAL. pic.twitter.com/d2Oyk8jq9y
— James Walker (@JamesWalkerNFL) November 30, 2016
Backups Sam Young and Kraig Urbik filled in for Albert and Tunsil last week with mixed results. Miami earned a victory over the 49ers and put up 31 points. But the offensive line would have to play much better Sunday against a stout Baltimore Ravens defense that is No. 1 against the run at 74.9 rushing yards per game.
Dolphins Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey (hip) was absent Wednesday and did not practice. He seems unlikely to play against the Ravens. Backup Anthony Steen is expected to get his sixth start of the season.
