Biegel sidelined by torn Achiles tendon
The Miami Dolphins will be without an edge rusher who became a fan favorite during his short stint with the team.
Dolphins outside linebacker Vince Biegel suffered a torn left Achilles tendon in practice Tuesday that will end his chances to play during the 2020 NFL season, a source told the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Biegel was visibly emotional after he sustained the lower leg injury during the final portion of 11-on-11s in practice. He was consoled by fellow outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, who kneeled beside him and appeared to say a prayer before Biegel was carted off the field and into the locker room.
Biegel was beginning his second season with the Dolphins and scheduled to earn $2.13 million on a one-year deal after signing his restricted free-agent tender with Miami in April. He will become an unrestricted free agent next offseason, meaning his time with the Dolphins may have come to an end unless the team decides to re-sign him.
Biegel started in 10 of 15 games for the Dolphins a season ago after he was acquired from the New Orleans Saints in a trade for former linebacker Kiko Alonso.
Biegel produced in his role as an edge rusher on the Dolphins defense, producing 59 tackles, 2 1⁄2 sacks and one interception.
Without Biegel in the mix, the Dolphins will depend on Van Noy, outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, linebacker Elandon Roberts and others to apply pressure from the edge on Brian Flores’ defense. pass to running back Myles Gaskin, a bullet down the middle to tight end Adam Shaheen and a crossing route to Hollins.
Tagovailoa’s action Tuesday was far different than his time Monday, when he was limited to just two short passes and mostly handoffs to running backs.
■ Receiver DeVante Parker caught a 35-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick over the head of cornerback Byron Jones.
■ Safety Bobby McCain picked off a deep pass from Fitzpatrick for the first interception in camp. McCain also landed a wicked hit into Jakeem Grant’s chest to break up a pass from Fitzpatrick on another sequence.
■ Van Ginkel also appeared to recover a fumble by wide receiver Chester Rogers, who had just caught a pass from Tagovailoa.
■ Grant is consistently getting open, but he dropped the one deep pass Fitzpatrick threw his way. Grant’s hands have always been a concern going back to his rookie season. If he gets the dropsies again, it might be hard for him to keep his elevated role.
■ Fitzpatrick’s favorite target early is Isaiah Ford, who pulled down an 18-yard pass. Ford has consistently been praised for his grasp of NFL offenses.