Eric

Fisher

In a related move, they put Eric Fisher on injured reserve. Miami’s tackle depth has been tested often this year as Terron Armstead is currently carrying four different injury designations and Austin Jackson has spent most of the year on injured reserve. Christian will join the tackle depth behind Greg Little and Brandon Shell with Fisher hurt and Kendall Lamm also leaving last week’s game.

Fisher last played with the Colts in 2021, playing on a one-year deal after suffering a torn Achilles in 2020. The former No. 1 overall pick could line up at either tackle position for the Dolphins, with left tackle Terron Armstead (pectoral) and right tackle Austin Jackson (ankle) both dealing with injuries. Jackson was placed on injured reserve on Monday and will now miss at least the next four games, while Armstead could be in line for a Week 14 return against the Chargers. Fisher played on 874 last season with the Colts, allowing 41 pressures and seven sacks per PFF.

Werder’s source claims Fisher “will be selective and has turned down offers from nine teams so far.” While we are skeptical about that number of teams, 31-year-old Fisher is at the stage of his career where he can afford to wait for the right situation. Perhaps that will be the Cowboys, who are left with developmental prospect Tyler Smith at left tackle in the wake of Tyron Smith’s knee injury. Fisher was replacement level in limited 2021 playing time for the Colts.

Fisher played on a one-year deal in 2021 and is now likely to be elsewhere in 2022, despite both sides engaging in contract talks over recent weeks. Fisher was not at his Pro Bowl best in 2021, coming off a torn Achilles that he suffered in January 2020, and the Colts are prioritizing other veterans. Fisher provides upside for teams with shaky offensive line play. However, coming off a down season, the 31-year-old will also make for a somewhat risky multi-year commitment.

Signed to a one-year, $8 million contract last offseason, Fisher returned from a January torn Achilles to start 15-of-17 games for the Colts. His pass protection dropped off while playing injured, allowing seven sacks and struggling throughout the season. Re-signing Mark Glowinski and extending Quenton Nelson are considered priorities over keeping Fisher. The Colts don’t have a first-round pick or in-house replacement at left tackle if they let Fisher walk.

Fisher has been out since suffering a knee injury Week 16 against the Cardinals. Fisher returning will likely send Matt Pryor back to the bench despite a strong showing from him last week.

Matt Pryor is getting the start in Fisher’s absence. Joining him on the shelf are DE Ben Banogu, G/T Will Fries, QB Brett Hundley, RB Marlon Mack, S Andrew Sendejo and WR Mike Strachan.

The Colts entered Week 16 already down three offensive linemen. Fisher’s loss is a massive blow to an offensive line that is now down to just one starter. Jonathan Taylor could have trouble finding holes behind the Colts’ reserve linemen.

Fisher tore his Achilles’ in January while playing for the Chiefs. The expectation was that he would return a month or two into the season but his recovery has come along shockingly fast. His addition to the line gives Carson Wentz and Jonathan Taylor a much-needed boost as they face the vaunted Rams defense this week.

It was always a long-shot for Fisher to suit up since his initial timeline for recovery has been, reportedly, mid-October. With reserve LT Sam Tevi (torn ACL, IR) additionally ruled out, league-average swing tackle Julién Davenport will instead be asked to pave the way for both Carson Wentz and Jonathan Taylor.