Dolphins Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead was activated from injured reserve on Saturday, clearing the way for him to start in Sunday’s international showdown between the Dolphins and the Kansas City Chiefs in Germany.
To clear a roster spot for Armstead, the Dolphins released rookie defensive tackle Brandon Pili.
In another move on Saturday, wide receiver River Cracraft (shoulder) was ruled out for the game against the Chiefs.
Having Armstead available is clearly good news as the first-place Dolphins (6-2) host the first-place Chiefs (6-2).
The starting five on the offensive line will most likely be Armstead, left guard Robert Jones, center Connor Williams, right guard Lester Cotton and right tackle Austin Jackson. Williams was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report.
Over the past two seasons, Armstead, a Pro Bowl selection last year, has missed 18 starts.
Armstead has missed at least six regular-season starts four times in the last seven seasons and six of Miami’s eight games this season, starting the Denver and Buffalo games and missing the last four.
Williams has missed the last three games due to a groin injury. He started the first three games, missed the game against Buffalo, played against the New York Giants and hasn’t played since.
The Dolphins have only used their planned starting five offensive line of Armstead, left guard Isaiah Wynn, Williams, right guard Robert Hunt (out with a hamstring injury) and Jackson once, and that was in the game. against Denver. And with Wynn (quadriceps) on injured reserve and Hunt (hamstring) sidelined for Sunday’s game, it will at least be a while before all five starters take the field together again.
With Hunt’s absence, Jackson will be the only Miami offensive lineman to start every game this season.
Miami’s starting five against Kansas City will be its sixth starting offensive line combination of the season.
The Dolphins and Chiefs are playing a game that could influence who gets home-field advantage for the AFC playoffs.
This is also a game in which wide receiver Tyreek Hill faces the team that traded him to Miami in March 2022.
Miami’s offensive line, under the direction of first-year offensive line coach Butch Barry, has been a factor in the Dolphins having the league’s best offense (45.3 yards per game), best passing offense ( 301.5 ypg), the best rushing offense (151.8 ypg). ) and highest scoring offense (33.9 points per game).
Miami has allowed just 12 sacks, tied for third in the league.
