Branden Albert to Start for Miami Dolphins in Week 1
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DAVIE (CBSMiami) -- When the Miami Dolphins take the field against Washington on Sunday, there should be a level of comfort Ryan Tannehill hasn't felt since November 9 of last season.
All indications are left tackle Branden Albert will start in Week 1 after months of speculation over whether his surgically repaired knee would be healthy enough to allow him to be ready for the start of the 2015 season. It turned out those preseason reports of him not returning for a few games were erroneous.
"You think I'm gonna play?" Albert asked reporters before practice on Wednesday. "You think I'm gonna start? I think you all know the answer already. We all know the answer. I don't think I have to say too much more. I've been starting with the first team all week. I'll continue, so there goes your answer. I'm tired of everybody asking me. Y'all got your answer now."
For the Dolphins, Albert's presence is monumental for a line that got annihilated after their leader went down against Detroit. The offensive line was forced to shuffle their lineup and chaos ensued.
Consider this: Albert allowed just five quarterback hurries in nine starts last season, according to Pro Football Focus. His replacement in rookie Ja'Wuan James allowed 24 hurries in seven starts at left tackle.
Notes
- Running back Jonas Gray, now on the Miami Dolphins practice squad, was "shocked" after getting released by New England over the weekend, telling reporters today he thought he "earned not only a roster spot but the starting spot" in the Patriots backfield. Gray rushed for 412 yards (4.6 YPC) last season, including a 201-yard, four-touchdown explosion against the Colts. Miami is familiar with the 5-foot-9, 220-pound bruiser as he was with the team during the 2013 preseason before being released. He'll join a crowded backfield paced by Lamar Miller and Damien Williams. The semi-serious question is whether Bill Belichick sent him to spy on an AFC East rival...
- Miller says he attended the Canes' opener against FAU last Saturday and came away impressed with their young stable of backs. "I think they did good," he says, "especially [Joe] Yearby, making guys miss in the secondary. Then Mark [Walton] looked good too. He looked real good, showed some flashes, and made some plays out of the backfield."
- Ndamukong Suh turned some heads today after telling reporters he "hopes to start Sunday and the rest of the season." For Stephen Ross' sake, I hope the four-time First-Team All-Pro fresh off signing a deal worth $60 million guaranteed starts this season.
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