Finding replacement a key to fortifying ‘D’
Dolphins work out free agents and are ‘talking through our options’
The Miami Dolphins coaches and front office are trying to figuring out howto compensate for the loss of Davon Godchaux, a defensive leader who has started 42 of the 56 games he’s played the past four years.
Godchaux, who has 16 tackles as a rotational defensive tackle in Miami’s 3-4 hybrid scheme, suffered a biceps tear in last Sunday’s 43-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers and will likely be placed on injured reserve soon.
The Dolphins are actively looking for defensive line help, working out free agents and examining players on other teams’ practice squads, who can be claimed and placed on Miami’s 53-man roster — or lured to Miami with a better practice squad contract.
“We’re still talking through our options on this one,” coach Brian Flores said Wednesday. “I don’t have a concrete answer for you as far as anymoveswe’re going to make. We’restilltryingtogetinformation [on Godchaux’s injury] before we make some final decisions.”
It’s possible that Godchaux could return to the Dolphins later this season because other NFL players have played through similar injuries. But the odds aren’t in his favor because of the physical nature of the position Godchaux plays, whichfeatures a lot ofhandto-hand combat with offensive linemen.
Godchaux, a formerLSUstandout the Dolphins drafted in the fifth round in 2017, is slated to become a free agent at the end of the season.
The Dolphins (2-3) will likely elevate Raekwon Davis, a former Alabama standout selected in the second round of April’s draft to platoon with Christian Wilkins, ZachSieler, EmmanuelOgbahand Shaq Lawson along the defensive line.
Davis, who has five tackles, began the season with a contributing role but had his playing time reduced after struggling in recent weeks.
“I think like all young guys, there are some ups and downs,” defensive coordinator Josh Boyer said. “I think youhave to learn what the NFL is about, learn about being a professional, and I think Raekwon is doing those things.
“I think Raekwon comes in, he loves football and he puts in a good day’s work. We hope that can improve week by week, which we’re all striving to do.”
Sieler also is an option to replace Godchaux as a starter. He’s been one of the Dolphins’ most impactful defensive players thepast three weeks and started his second game last Sunday against the 49ers as Lawson’s replacement. Lawson suffered a shoulder injury in Miami’s 31-24 loss to the Seattle Seahawks two weeks ago and sat out the 49ers game.
Flores said Lawson will practice thisweek, likely ona limited basis. If he plays against the New York Jets (0-5) this Sunday, that would allow Sieler to play some snaps at defensive tackle.
“He’s getting better,” Flores said of Lawson, who has nine tackles and one sack in four games this season. “He’s rehabbing and getting treatment.
“Wewant to see him out there. If he’s healthy enough, he’ll go.”
Rookie defensive lineman Jason Strowbridge, a former University of North Carolina standout the Dolphins drafted inthe fifth round this year, hasn’t played in a game this season. But Flores stressed “he’ s getting better and improving .”
It is possible that the 6-foot5, 273-pounder could seize this opportunity to elevate his status with a strong week of practice.
Last week the Dolphins called up Tyshun Render, an undrafted defensive end from Middle Tennessee State, from the practice squad instead of activating Strowbridge. But Flores said that decision had more to do with special team roles than Strowbridge’s shortcomings.
The Dolphins also have defensive line men Benito Jones, a rookie from Ole Miss, and Nick Coe, a rookie from Auburn, on the practice squad. Both players could elevate their status on the team with a strong week of practice.