MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins‘ offense is nearly unstoppable when Connor Williams is on the field. But when he’s off it, the Dolphins haven’t been nearly as sharp.
That’s important context as we dig into the Dolphins’ Thursday practice report and injury update.
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Miami Dolphins Practice Report
Williams on Thursday was not spotted at practice for a second straight day, according to reporters present for the media viewing portion.
Connor Williams not seen at Dolphins’ Thursday practice after also missing Wednesday. Alec Ingold returned to practice.
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) October 12, 2023
Williams has been dealing with a groin injury for the better part of the month — an injury that kept him out of the Dolphins’ Week 4 game against the Buffalo Bills, which is the only loss on Miami’s ledger thus far.
UPDATE (4 p.m.): Williams isn’t the only concern on the offensive line. The Dolphins added right guard Robert Hunt to their injury report with a knee injury. He was limited in his participation. Often times, a player added on Thursday or Friday with limited particiation suggests an injury that occurred during practice that day. This certainly warrants following.
Liam Eichenberg replaced Williams in that game, and the offense was not the same. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was sacked a season-high four times and withstood nine QB hits.
Even still, head coach Mike McDaniel threw his support behind Eichenberg as the Dolphins’ backup center going forward.
“There were some really good things that happened in the game,” McDaniel said the day after the Bills loss. “There are some things that Liam would like to have back.
“… I feel pumped for Liam’s game as his first game as a center,” he added. “If I thought that was the ceiling that he could perform at, my feelings may be different. I’m not sure if you guys have ever done something for the first time ever, but it’s definitely not your finished Picasso piece. I’m happy with where he’s orchestrating the offense through the center position, making the calls, and he’ll be there if needed.”
MORE: Miami Dolphins’ Vic Fangio Gets Candid About Christian Wilkins’ Hold-In
If Williams cannot go, the Dolphins will be down two starters on the offensive line against the Panthers. Terron Armstead is out at least the next three games with a knee injury.
Elsewhere, fullback Alec Ingold returned to practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday with a foot injury.
Carolina Panthers vs. Miami Dolphins Injury Report
Carolina Panthers
Panthers
Did Not Practice
- DE Derrick Brown (knee/ankle)
- OLB Brian Burns (ankle)
- OT Taylor Moton (knee)
- TE Giovanni Ricci (shoulder)
- RB Miles Sanders (shoulder)
- S Xavier Woods (hamstring)
- G Chandler Zavala (neck)
Limited
- S Vonn Bell (quadriceps)
- LB Kamu Grugier-Hill (back)
- G Calvin Throckmorton (calf)
- G Austin Corbett (knee)
Full
- TE Stephen Sullivan (hip)
- CB Donte Jackson (shoulder)
Dolphins
Did Not Practice
- C Connor Williams (groin)
Limited
- RB Alec Ingold (foot)
- OL Rob Jones (knee)
- RB Raheem Mostert (rest)
- CB Nik Needham (Achilles)
- LB Jaelan Phillips (oblique)
- RB Jeff Wilson (ribs/finger)
Full
- WR Braxton Berrios (knee)