The Miami Dolphins are without two starters on their offensive line and a pair of their top backups, but that problem won’t be solved anytime soon.
Right guard James Daniels and right tackle Austin Jackson are now eligible to return from injured reserve after both starters landed on injured reserve after Week 1. The Dolphins are also waiting for Liam Eichenberg and Andrew Meyer, who are eligible to return from the PUP list and IR, respectively, at any point now.
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“I don’t see any of them being ready to return this week,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said of the four linemen Monday. “I think it’s several weeks for that collective group.”
That’s a rough update for a Dolphins line that has struggled in their absence. Rookie left guard Jonah Savaiinaea has been the worst lineman in the NFL, according to PFF, and Miami hasn’t been able to do much to help him, because the right side is relying on backups Larry Borom and Cole Strange. While the latter has impressed at times, the Dolphins allowed three sacks and managed only 19 rushing yards against a Carolina Panthers defense that had just two sacks and gave up a 129.3 rushing yards per game in the first four weeks.
With no rescue in sight for the Dolphins’ makeshift offensive line, up next is a matchup against a Los Angeles Chargers defense that has allowed the sixth fewest points and has generated 14 sacks, fifth most in the NFL.
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: 4 injured Dolphins offensive linemen all several weeks from returning