Quarterback Ryan Tannehill wasn’t the only Dolphin to suffer an injury Thursday. Guard Ted Larsen left practice with what the team fears is a torn biceps, reports Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald (on Twitter). The likelihood is that Larsen will miss “several” regular-season games, per Jackson.
The Dolphins signed Larsen as the outset of free agency in March, and he immediately became a strong contender to start at left guard for the club. The 30-year-old brings plenty of experience to the table, having combined to start in 65 of 102 appearances as a Buccaneer, Cardinal and Bear from 2010-16. In Chicago last year, Larsen posted the fifth 16-game slate of his career and logged eight starts, during which he ranked a respectable 37th in performance among Pro Football Focus’ 75 qualified guards.
As they brace for a prolonged Larsen absence, the Dolphins will go forward with Anthony Steen, Kraig Urbik and fifth-round pick Isaac Asiata as potential options opposite No. 1 right guard Jermon Bushrod. Steen started seven games at center in 2016 while Mike Pouncey was on the shelf. Fortunately for Miami, there’s hope that the hip issues which have troubled Pouncey in the past won’t cause problems this year.