Miami Dolphins Mike Pouncey wants to play week 1
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins added a former Miami Dolphin over the weekend, Samson Satele. The reason is simple, the Dolphins have a problem on their offensive line. Well that is kind of like saying the Everglades have a problem with boa constrictors, it’s an annual problem for Miami.
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Since the Dolphins lost starting Pro-Bowl center Mike Pouncey to hip surgery rehabilitation, the Dolphins have been playing the musical chair music at the position of center. Nate Garner has stepped in, Sam Brenner has stepped in, and both Shelley Smith and David Arkin have been failures when it was their turn to step in. So it’s not surprising that Miami went to the free agent well to find another option.
Today however, we learn that Mike Pouncey is targeting week one clearance to play. According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinels’ Omar Kelly, Pouncey is making that his goal.
Dolphins center Mike Pouncey told me he's already running. Being cleared medically for week one is still his goal.
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) August 4, 2014
It’s hard to imagine Pouncey getting clearance for an injury that is supposed to take eight weeks to rehab and being able to run is a far cry from being able to dig your heals into the dirt and hold off 300 pound defenders wanting to drop you to the ground. Sadly, a not quit 100% or maybe even 75% Pouncey could be the best option if someone doesn’t step up.
Pouncey tore the labrum in his hips during off-season team activities and required surgery. The estimated timetable for his return would put him back on the field sometime shortly after the teams return to United States after their week four game in London with the Oakland Raiders. It’s hard to imagine that his rehabilitation has been sped up that much.
Of course the fact that Pouncey is trying to get back on the field is a stark contrast to injured running back Knowshon Moreno who should have been back over a week ago. Instead, Moreno is still sidelined with soreness in his knees and his rehab is going nowhere at the moment. I wouldn’t be too optimistic about either one being available on opening day.