Four Key Players for the Miami Dolphins Suffers Season-Ending Injury Still, though…
Over 18 weeks, injuries take their toll on every NFL team, the Miami Dolphins included. On Saturday, following their preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons, Miami’s offensive line core took a hit, with left guard Kion Smith leaving the contest with a lower leg injury. Less than 24 hours later, tests have confirmed that Smith has torn his ACL, ending his 2024 season.
Smith made the 53-man roster last season after spending two years bouncing between the practice squad and the bench. Smith went down in last night’s preseason opener after his knee collided with the helmet of fellow offensive lineman Ryan Hayes. At the same time, the duo attempted to keep quarterback Skylar Thompson upright on a third-and-ten.
After leaving Friday’s game with a knee injury, tests have officially confirmed that offensive lineman Kion Smith will miss the entirety of the season with a torn ACL. Smith operated at the left guard position during the team’s preseason opener, with the Miami Dolphins opting to start second-round pick Patrick Paul at left tackle. Smith, a longtime bookend tackle, was crosstraining at the guard position, potentially opening the door for the North Carolina native to earn more playing time.
Smith is just the latest injury to hit the Miami Dolphins offensive line, with center Aaron Brewer going down on Wednesday with a hand injury. Starting left guard, Liam Eichenberg shifted to center, with Smith filling in at the guard position. Smith, an undrafted free agent in 2021, played collegiately at Fayetteville State. After being cut by the Atlanta Falcons before his rookie year, Smith latched on with the Dolphins, where he spent the past four years. The 25-year-old made nine appearances for the AFC East club last season.
Following a torn ACL, offensive lineman Kion Smith becomes the first long-term casualty for the Miami Dolphins this offseason. Regarding the offensive line, starting guard Isaiah Wynn resides on the active/PUP list as he recovers from a season-ending quad injury suffered last year. Meanwhile, starter center Aaron Brewer is dealing with a hand injury sustained last week, which is not considered a significant issue. In Smith’s absence, fellow guard Sean Harlow stepped in at left guard during Friday’s preseason opener. Harlow, a 2017 fourth-round pick, signed with Miami after spending last season with the New York Giants.
Alongside Brewer and Wynn, the Dolphins project Terron Armstead, Robert Jones, and Austin Jackson will start on the offensive line this fall. Armstead enters the third year of his five-year, $75 million deal, while Jackson signed a three-year, $36 million contract extension this offseason.
