Miami Dolphins Tackle Terron Armstead Carted Off With Leg Injury

The Miami Dolphins appear to have avoided catastrophe. After being carted off the field at Thursday's practice with what appeared to be a serious leg injury, left tackle Terron Armstead appears alright. Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the four-time Pro Bowler will not require surgery and could even be ready for Week 1.

From @NFLTotalAccess: #Dolphins OT Terron Armstead survived a scare at practice. pic.twitter.com/3C007Kr4bb
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 17, 2023

The Dolphins signed Armstead to a five-year, $75 million in 2022 despite an extensive injury history that cost him 33 starts from 2016 to 2021. Armstead rewarded the Dolphins with 13 appearances and a Pro Bowl berth last season. Still, Armstead's bad luck in previous years likely had the Dolphins nervous for much of the afternoon.

Armstead's play will be absolutely critical for the Dolphins this season. His acquisition, along with the arrival of wide receiver Tyreek Hill, allowed the Dolphins to leap from 22nd in scoring and 25th in yards gained in 2021 to 11th and 6th in 2022.

More importantly, Armstead's blindside blocking will be essential for preserving the health of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa broke out last season by posting league-best marks in passer rating (105.5) and net yards per attempt (8.04), but a series of head and back injuries had his career in doubt at various points last season.

No player's health will be monitored as closely as Tagovailoa's this upcoming season, and Armstead is unquestionably the Dolphins' most established, reliable blocker. For now, the Dolphins can rest easy knowing they still have a star in place at the offensive line's premier position.