Dolphins’ Armstead returns for first practice in a month. But another starter sidelined
Dolphins left tackle Terron Armstead, who missed Miami’s season opener with multiple injuries, practiced on Wednesday, his first session since mid-August.
But while Armstead returned to practice, another offensive starter — running back Raheem Mostert — was sidelined.
Armstead was limited in his first session since injuring his ankle in the second of two joint practices in Houston on Aug. 17. He was wearing a red, noncontact jersey and compression sleeve on his right leg during the open viewing period of practice.
After practice, Armstead said he’s feeling a lot better but was non-committal about whether he would be available for Sunday’s prime-time road game against the New England Patriots.
“Great being back out there with the guys, running around, playing the game I love,” he said. “We’re working. Trying to get healthier and get closer to getting back out there full time.”
He added: “I missed a lot of time in training camp so I don’t have many reps under my belt for this campaign. I definitely have to get those in, get in playing shape, get my hands right, my timing right, communicate right with the guys. I’ll be back out there tomorrow, hitting at full speed, trying to game game ready.”
Armstead, who was listed with ailments to his back, ankle and knee, said it was a combination of the injuries that prevented him from playing in the Dolphins’ Week 1 win.
“I want to be an asset when I’m out there, not a liability ever,” he said. “If I’m not functionally able to do my job, it hurts the team, I would never do it.”
Did Armstead think he could play last Sunday against the Chargers?
“We worked early in the week, but I wasn’t going to be able to make it happen Sunday,” he said. “We did more stuff inside. I didn’t want to take away from preparation for Kendall [Lamm] and Austin [Jackson] and those guys getting ready.”
Armstead dealt with four injuries last season and often didn’t practice. Asked how much he will practice this season, he said: “Every chance I get. I love being out there, flying around, talking smack to my guys. Any chance I get I’ll be out here.”
He did not accompany the team to the Chargers game, noting it was coach Mike McDaniel’s decision because of “the six-hour flight” and with the expectation he would be able to practice early this week.
“I was at home alone, no distractions,” he said. “It was weird. Right before kickoff, adrenaline, and I don’t even get nervous. I had nerves for some reason. It was a great game as a fan of the sport. Us winning, I was going crazy.”
Mostert, who was seen during the open viewing period, did not practice because of a knee injury. The ailment is not believed to be serious.
In addition to Armstead, defensive back Elijah Campbell, who injured his knee in the preseason finale and did not play in Week 1, returned to practice and was limited. Tight end Julian Hill (knee) and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (oblique) were also limited.
Rookie running back De’Von Achane (shoulder), cornerback Xavien Howard (thumb), safety Brandon Jones (knee) and center Connor Williams (knee) were listed as full participants.
For the Patriots, starting left tackle Trent Brown did not practice because of a concussion.
Brown was one of five offensive linemen listed on the injury report. Starting guards Mike Onwenu (ankle) and Cole Strange (knee), who did not play in New England’s season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, were limited.
Backup offensive lineman Sidy Sow, who started at right guard in Week 1, also did not practice because of a concussion.
Wide receivers Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) and DeVante Parker (knee) and center David Andrews (hamstring) were also limited. Parker, the former Dolphin, did not play in Week 1.
