Miami Dolphins open camp to kick-off 2017 season

The Miami Dolphins offense went through plenty of offensive line changes in 2016. Those changes included the release of Billy Turner, Jamil Douglas, and Dallas Thomas following week four of the season. Miami sent a clear message that the offensive line had to be better.

When Mike Pouncey was healthy the line was dominant. Even when Laremy Tunsil and Branden Albert were hurt, the Dolphins looked far better with Pouncey at center. Unfortunately Pouncey was only healthy for five games. While the Dolphins still continued to get better it was clear that Pouncey made a difference.

That’s expected given the fact that he is a Pro-Bowl player. This year questions about his hip have been an off-season long topic of debate and discussion. After undergoing “stem cell” treatment, Pouncey was seen walking with a cane. Many believed that he would not be cleared in time to participate in camp.

Yesterday the Dolphins got word that Pouncey had been cleared from his specialist and could participate 100% through camp. Miami isn’t going to let Pouncey practice at 100%. They will take their time bringing him along so they minimize the chances of re-injury.

This is a critical season for Pouncey. In 2018 his salary will be $9 million and only $2 million of that would be dead cap space if he were to be released. It’s hard to imagine the Dolphins releasing the stellar center but if his hip injury returns, it becomes more difficult to imagine them keeping him around given his injury history.