(Video courtesy HollyMartins)
Miami Dolphins OT Jake Long might finally have an injury he can’t play through.
Long, who has made the Pro Bowl four of the past five seasons despite playing with myriad ailments, suffered an undisclosed injury to his right leg at practice Monday and didn't return. Long (6-7, 319) fell into a pile of players during a quick passing play and remained down, reported Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. Long was helped to a cart, where he took off his knee brace and team personnel examined it.
Dolphins coach Joe Philbin has a policy of not addressing injuries.
Long also reportedly walked off the practice field and into the training facility under his own power as he was joined by Dolphins head trainer Kevin O'Neill. Rookie RT Jonathan Martin slid into Long’s spot through the end of practice.
Martin, who was taken in the second round of April’s draft, has been slow adapting to the pro game during training game.
Hartline still hurting: Philbin is concerned he hasn’t seen enough of WR Brian Hartline during training camp. In fact, he hasn’t seen him at all.
The former Ohio State star missed OTAs and minicamp with a variety of ailments before being sidelined since the beginning of training camp with a calf injury. Hartline is one of the most talented players on the roster at an incredibly weak position for the Dolphins, but if he can’t contribute then Philbin would have to weigh the benefits of cutting or placing him on injured reserve.
Hartline had 35 catches for 549 yards and a touchdown last season.
“I mean film is one thing, but obviously you like to have your own set of eyes on players in your program. Certainly we’ve watched things, but it’s been hard,” Philbin said. “He and I actually visited a little bit again one-on-one yesterday to see where things are at, but yeah it’s tough. I can’t sit here and say I’ve got a great evaluation on the kid, that wouldn’t be accurate.”
Hartline has increased his role in practice but has yet to put on anything more than a T-shirt and pair of shorts. He did catch some passes on the field at Sun Life Stadium before last week’s game against the Falcons in gym clothes and sneakers.
“It’s certainly getting to a critical time for us and him,” Philbin said, “and hopefully he can make a push here.”
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Miami Dolphins from blogger Dave Carey, follow @CBSSportsNFLMIA.
