Jets Will See Backup Center and Maybe More Fill-ins on Miami's Offensive Line in Week 15
It was a rough Monday night for the New York Jets' next opponent.
Closing out the Week 14 slate in primetime, the Miami Dolphins suffered a significant injury-related loss during a stunning home loss to the Tennessee Titans. Starting center Connor Williams has torn an ACL and will miss the remainder of the season according to Miami head coach Mike McDaniel.
Williams, who started nine games this season, was injured on the Dolphins' first offensive possession, exiting with 10:50 left in the opening quarter.
"Connor Williams, out for the season, ACL," said Dolphins' head coach Mike McDaniel on Tuesday afternoon. "I'd love to take the time right now to speak on the regard that this team has for Connor Williams, and what he was doing this year, playing some excellent ball."
In addition to Williams, the Dolphins could be missing other key offensive line pieces when they host the Jets on Sunday, December 17. Starting left tackle Terron Armstead and right guard Robert Hunt were unavailable this past Monday night due to injury.
Armstead, who was on Injured Reserve earlier in the season due to a knee problem, suffered an ankle injury against Washington on December 3.
"We'll be day to day with him [Armstead]," said McDaniel one day after the 28-27 primetime loss to the Titans.
Hunt, who suffered a hamstring injury in Washington, likely needs more recovery time than Armstead.
"Rob's proving to be a little more week to week," said McDaniel. "I would be very pleasantly surprised if Rob was available for the Jets."
Liam Eichenberg, who was starting at right guard in place of Hunt, moved to center when Williams left Monday night's game. Robert Jones was summoned off the bench to fill in at right guard.
"You might see us add somebody here in the near future at some point," said McDaniel. We've been working Lester Cotton all year at center as well."
Cotton was the starting left guard on Monday night for the Dolphins' injury-ravaged offensive line.
"At some point, it gets a little challenging on everyone," said McDaniel.
Williams and Armstead were both in the starting lineup when the Dolphins posted a 34-13 victory over the Jets at MetLife Stadium on Black Friday. That won't be the case this week, however, when the Jets (5-8) visit the Dolphins (9-4) in South Florida.
Dolphins' All-Pro receiver Tyreek Hill will also be on the injury report this week after spraining his ankle against Tennessee. On Tuesday, McDaniel said Hill is "day to day."
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