The Miami Dolphins were already facing some depth issues on their offensive line going into Week 13 after starting left tackle Terron Armstead strained a pec. Now another injury to a reserve tackle will force them to dig even deeper into their offensive tackle depth chart than they anticipated.
Miami on Friday listed Armstead as doubtful, and also ruled out OT Austin Jackson with an ankle issue. Jackson made his 2022 starting debut at right tackle for the Dolphins in Week 12. His absence sends the Dolphins OL into a bit of chaos. Stay with us here.
Against the 49ers, Brandon Shell will likely start at left tackle if/when Armstead is officially ruled out. Jackson being out will then push OT Greg Little into a starting role, and he might be the worst of the group.
We already covered Shell’s struggles at left tackle this season, but Little has had an even tougher time in his stints as the starting right and left tackle. He’s allowed four sacks, six QB hits and 27 pressures in 249 pass blocking snaps according to Pro Football Focus. His 29.2 overall grade is alarmingly bad.
That’s who figures to line up on the side opposite Shell, who carries a PFF grade around 15.0 when he lines up at left tackle this year.
This may all be moot if the Dolphins and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa can execute their quick game the way they have all year. Tagovailoa rarely holds onto the ball for more than 2.5 seconds, but if the 49ers can have even a little success in coverage it could be a big day for their defensive front against the back end of the Dolphins OT depth chart.
