James’ put on injured reserve, ending season

DAVIE — The Miami Dolphins have placed Ja’Wuan James on injured reserve, ending his 2017 season, and possibly the offensive tackle’s tenure with the franchise.

James, a 2014 first-round pick, sought a second opinion for what the team labeled a hamstring injury to his left leg. But the issue seems to be more complicated than a strain, and could have salary cap and roster implications for 2018.

The Dolphins opted into the fifth year of James’ contract, which would pay James $9.34 million in 2018. But the option is only guaranteed for injury. That means if Miami was reconsidering that financial commitment, it could be forced to honor it based on James’ medical report next spring.

If James fails a physical before the start of the league year in 2018 the Dolphins would be forced to pay him the fifth-year option, which would make him the thirdhighest paid right tackle in the NFL. Only two right tackles — Philadelphia’s Lane Johnson and Detroit’s Ricky Wagner — earn more than $9 million a season.

Head coach Adam Gase said surgery was the best long-term option for James, whose play he’s labeled as inconsistent the past two seasons.

“Ja’Wuan has had some really good games, and I think he’d probably say he’s had some games where he wishes he would have played a little better,” Gase said. “That’s kind of been the story of our season.”

Jesse Davis will replace James in the lineup against the Panthers in Carolina on Monday night, starting his third game of the season, and first at right tackle. Davis played tackle at Idaho, but spent this offseason being cross-trained to play guard.

“We’ve got a lot confidence in Jesse,” Gase said. “Jesse’s a big guy — big and strong — and we think he’s going to block guys really, really well on the edge.”

Davis started the past two games at left guard, but that spot now belongs to Ted Larsen, who is returning from his biceps injury and expects to start his first game of the season against the Panthers.

The Dolphins also have Sam Young as a tackle option, and Miami also claimed Zach Sterup from the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad this week. Young, a former St. Thomas Aquinas standout, will likely be active for his second game of the season, serving as the backup at both left and right tackle.

James, who is slated to earn $1.57 million this year and $8.4 million in total on the four-year rookie deal he signed as the 19th pick in the 2014 draft, has started 47 of 64 games he’s been eligible to play in.

The Dolphins used James’ roster spot to promote T.J. McDonald to the 53-man roster. McDonald is expected to start at free safety, getting paired with Reshad Jones for the rest of the season. who is listed as questionable for Monday night’s game, said he’s feeling much better. … Safety Michael Thomas, who serves as the captain of the Dolphins’ special teams unit, had his participation limited during Saturday’s practice, which was his first of the week. Thomas is listed as questionable. Both Thomas and Williams are core special teams contributors, so their absence from that unit could drastically deplete their efficiency level . ... Receiver Jakeem Grant (illness), linebacker Mike Hull (shoulder/ankle), cornerback Bobby McCain (hamstring) and Larsen (biceps) are all questionable for the game against the Panthers.