Terron

Armstead

Armstead was unable to clear concussion protocol in time for Monday’s game and will be held out as a result. The veteran tackle has played in each of the Dolphins’ first three games but will likely be replaced by Kendall Lamm, who played on 41 snaps last week after Armstead exited with his injury. In addition to Armstead, the Dolphins also ruled out cornerback Kendall Fuller (concussion).

The Dolphins don’t play until Monday night, giving Armstead some extra time to clear concussion protocol. If he’s unable to by Sunday, there’s a good chance he will miss the Week 4 tilt against the Titans. Last week, Kendall Lamm replaced Armstead at left tackle and played on 41 snaps. He’d be the favorite to replace Armstead again this week.

No stranger to dealing with injuries over the last couple seasons, Armstead’s brain injury-forced absence would be a big deal for a Dolphins team that is struggling to move the ball. The last thing Tim Boyle needs is pressure. Armstead’s practice status will be worth monitoring ahead of Monday Night. Corner Kendall Fuller is also in concussion protocol for the Dolphins.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters earlier this week Armstead would be back “sooner rather than later.” He wasn’t kidding. Armstead, who is a warrior when it comes to playing through injuries, is good to go for Week 3.

Armstead’s inability to practice on Wednesday is a negative sign for his Week 3 availability and the Dolphins’ offense needs all the help it can get. His presence would help stabilize the offensive line’s left side in what is likely to be a trailing game script.

Armstead left Thursday’s game with a shoulder injury, and while the initial prognosis was that the 6-foot-5 tackle would miss a few weeks, it’s possible he could play in Week 3 in Seattle. Consider him questionable for that contest, but more likely to miss one game than to be back in action.

Per McDaniel, Armstead avoided the worst-case scenario. Still, it sounds like the stalwart tackle will miss at least a few weeks while dealing with the shoulder issue. The timing of the injury couldn’t be much worse as Tua Tagovailoa left the Dolphins’ Thursday night game versus the Bills with a concussion. That means Skylar Thompson is likely to start at least one game, now without his team’s starting left tackle in the lineup.

Oft-injured Armstead was in and out of Thursday night’s loss to the Bills. Coach Mike McDaniel said he will update the situation on Friday.

Armstead had hinted at the possibility at retirement after the Dolphins’ season ended, but he is now expected to return. A key piece for Tua Tagovailoa’s protection, Armstead and the Dolphins are reportedly working on an adjusted contract, according to Rapoport. This implies the Dolphins will clear up some cap space with the adjusted contract while Armstead returns for the fast-paced Mike McDaniel offense.

Armstead was speaking with the media during locker room cleanouts on Monday; Armstead talked about never “making any decisions right after the season,” saying he likes to take his time and process things. It’s an approach Armstead said he has taken each of the last three offseasons, suggesting he’s been mulling retirement for some time. The five-time Pro Bowler will be 33 at the start of next season and has dealt with a myriad of injuries for the last several seasons. While he continues to play at a high level, Armstead has played in 13 or fewer games each of the last three seasons. Armstead is due more than $20 million next season if he chooses to play. Whether or not he determines his health to be worth it will likely be decided sometime this spring.