Dolphins activate left tackle Austin Jackson from injured reserve,
The Dolphins activated left tackle Austin Jackson off injured reserve on Saturday, creating an interesting conundrum for an offensive line that now has six potential starters.
Jackson, selected 18th overall in April’s NFL
Draft, started Miami’s first four games and did not allow a sack before sustaining the foot injury against Seattle.
According to a source, the Dolphins this past week discussed a plan in which they would give Jackson a significant workload at left tackle on Sunday — but not necessarily as the starter immediately — and play six linemen in the game: Jackson, rookie right tackle
Rob Hunt, guard/tackle Jesse Davis, left guard Ereck Flowers, rookie right guard Solomon Kindley and center Ted Karras.
In Jackson’s absence during the past three games, Davis played left tackle and Hunt was inserted into the lineup at right tackle.
The plan that was discussed, according to a source, has Davis opening the game at left tackle, then playing some guard after Jackson enters the game at some point. Davis has significant experience at guard earlier in his career.
Under this scenario discussed internally, Hunt would continue to get substantial work at right tackle in that scenario. Davis began the season as the starter at right tackle and still could be used some at that position as well, particularly if Hunt struggles.
One source said moving Davis back and forth from the left to right side — and playing multiple positions — had some hiccups in practice this week. And it’s unclear whether the aforementioned scenario will be the one the Dolphins definitely will use.
But the Dolphins value Davis, like how he’s played and want to continue using him even while getting significant work for their three rookie offensive linemen.
With Lynn Bowden
Jr. placed on the COVID-19 list on Friday, the Dolphins “elevated” Kirk Merritt from the practice squad to fill his spot. Merritt, the undrafted rookie from Arkansas State, would give Miami six available receivers for Sunday’s game.