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Dolphins LT Branden Albert's availability for opener still uncertain
Miami Dolphins left tackle Branden Albert was a full participant in practice for the first time this year on Tuesday. He's recovering from a torn ACL suffered last November, and plans to be the team's left tackle if healthy.
"It felt like it felt yesterday," Albert said, via Palm Beach Post. "It felt good. No difference."
Albert returning to practice is obviously a good sign, but it doesn't mean he's fully healthy and ready to go. His status for the season opener is still up in the air.
"I don’t know. It’s a long time away," he said. "A lot of things can play in to it. Conditioning, progress of my knee with the strength, and the endurance of my knee. I think it’s more the endurance. I don’t think my knee is going to have any complications but it’s the endurance and being on my knee for a long time and stuff like that. Besides that, I think I’ll be fine."
Albert doesn't figure to risk playing in the next two preseason games and will only play when he's 100-percent ready.
"The next few weeks I’ll be able to tell if I’m going to play how I once was which I’m not worried about," he said. "I’m not too worried about it."
For Albert, practicing against what he calls "one of the best d-lines in football" is playing a big part in his preparation for game action. It helps with the fact that he won't need to play against other teams in the preseason, given the work he's getting against his teammates.
"I think I can go right out there," he said. "I go against one of the best d-lines in football. If I can’t block them that means I can’t block anybody in the game. You know I’ll be going against OV -- I know he’s going to push me. And all the other guys -- Terrence Fede, a young guy that can play football. I’m going against Chris McCain. If I can’t block them, I can’t block nobody. Going against those guys in practice, if I go in a game I’ll be fine."
The Dolphins' regular season opener is slated for Sept. 13 against the Washington Redskins. Ryan Tannehill will need all the protection he can get if he hopes to stay upright more often than he has in the past two seasons.
(h/t Palm Beach Post)
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