National Football League

Long leaves practice with knee injury

Published Aug. 27, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

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Miami Dolphins tackle Jake Long, who battled injuries all last season, left practice Monday after injuring his right knee, but a league source says the Pro Bowler isn't seriously hurt.

The person said an MRI exam confirmed damage was minor. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Dolphins didn't comment on the injury.

Long left practice Monday after he went down in a pile on a pass play. He was examined by a trainer, walked off the field and sat in a cart on the sideline for further examination, and then walked to the locker room.

Back trouble slowed Long last season, and he went on injured reserve before the final game because of a torn right biceps. He nonetheless was chosen a Pro Bowl starter at left tackle for the third consecutive year.

Although Long has missed only two games in four NFL seasons, he has dealt with knee trouble in the past and wore a brace on his right knee Monday. A prolonged absence would be especially worrisome with rookie Ryan Tannehill preparing to make his first NFL start in the season opener Sept. 9.

''It's a tough situation any time one of your teammates goes down,'' Tannehill said. ''Hopefully it's not too bad and we can get him back soon.''

Rookie Jonathan Martin, who protected Andrew Luck's left side at Stanford, moved over from right tackle to fill in for Long.

''I'm pretty comfortable on that side,'' Martin said. ''Wherever they need me, I'm ready to go. I know the offense pretty well. I just had to flip things around in my head a little bit. I played that position for eight years in high school and college, so I'm pretty good at it.''

Artis Hicks joined the starters at right tackle.

The Dolphins play their final exhibition game Wednesday at Dallas.