Dolphins’ Terron Armstead activated, expected to start vs. Kansas City
Miami Dolphins Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead was activated from the injured reserve list Saturday, clearing the way for him to start in Sunday’s international showdown between the Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs in Germany.
In order to clear a roster spot for Armstead, the Dolphins waived rookie defensive tackle Brandon Pili.
In an other move Saturday, wide receiver River Cracraft (shoulder) has been declared out for the Chiefs game.
Having Armstead available is clearly good news as the AFC East first-place Dolphins (6-2) host the AFC West first-place Chiefs (6-2).
Most likely the starting five on the offensive line will be Armstead, left guard Robert Jones, center Connor Williams, right guard Lester Cotton and right tackle Austin Jackson. Williams was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report.
In the past two-plus seasons Armstead, a Pro Bowl selection last year, has missed 18 starts.
Armstead has missed at least six regular-season starts four times in the past seven seasons and six of Miami’s eight games this season, starting the Denver and Buffalo games and missing the past four.
Williams has missed the past three games due to a groin injury. He started the first three games, missed the Buffalo game, played against the New York Giants, and hasn’t played since.
The Dolphins have only used their planned offensive line starting five of Armstead, left guard Isaiah Wynn, Williams, right guard Robert Hunt (out with hamstring injury) and Jackson once, and that was in the Denver game. And with Wynn (quadriceps) on injured reserve and Hunt (hamstring) sidelined for Sunday’s game, at least, it’ll be a while before that starting five takes the field together again.
With Hunt’s absence, Jackson will be Miami’s only offensive lineman to start every game this season.
Miami’s starting five against Kansas City will be its sixth starting offensive line combination of the season.
The Dolphins and Chiefs are playing a game that could factor into who gets home-field advantage for the AFC playoffs.
This is also a game that features wide receiver Tyreek Hill facing the team that traded him to Miami in March 2022.
Miami’s offensive line, under the guidance of first-year offensive line coach Butch Barry, has been a factor in the Dolphins having the league’s top offense (45.3 yards per game), top passing offense (301.5 ypg), top rushing game (151.8 ypg), and top scoring offense (33.9 points per game).
Miami has allowed only 12 sacks, tied for third-fewest in the league.