Davie, FL (SportsNetwork.com) – Miami Dolphins left tackle Branden Albert will
miss the remainder of the season with a right knee injury.
Albert was hurt in the second quarter of Sunday’s game against Detroit when a
player rolled up on his right leg. He remained on the turf for a short time
before exiting on a cart.
Dolphins coach Joe Philbin did not reveal the specific nature of the injury
during a media session Monday, but reports have indicated it to be a torn ACL
and possibly an MCL tear. He said evaluations are still ongoing and a decision
on whether surgery is necessary has not yet been reached.
“We’re going to put Branden Albert on injured reserve,” Philbin said Monday.
“Unfortunately injuries are part of the game. That’s part of football.”
Albert was Miami’s big free agent acquisition in the offseason, signing a
five-year contract worth a reported $47 million. He spent his first six NFL
seasons with Kansas City and earned his first Pro Bowl nod last year.
“He’s a professional. He’s a hard worker,” Philbin added about Albert’s
contributions to the team. “I thought he set a great example for the other
guys.”
The Dolphins moved rookie first-round pick Ja’Waun James from right tackle to
left tackle after Albert’s injury. Dallas Thomas, starting at left guard in
place of the injured Daryn Colledge, moved to right tackle and Shelley Smith
took over at guard.
Philbin said the revamped line from Sunday would likely be the starting unit
that takes the field for Thursday’s big AFC East showdown at home against the
Buffalo Bills.
