Problems continue for Offensive Line

By Jason Kirk  |   Saturday, July 30, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Miami Dolphins
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The Miami Dolphins' first year Head Coach Nick Saban had to cut training camp practice early on Friday because of the absence of four offensive linemen. Starting LG Jeno James was still out for the second consecutive day after suffering from a stomach virus that combined with a bout of heat exhaustion that sent James to the hospital on Wednesday. It's likely that James will return to the team on Sunday.

Stockar McDougle, who has been getting reps as the first-string right tackle, missed practice to attend to his brother, Jerome McDougle, after the younger of the two siblings was shot in a botched robbery attempt. The former University of Miami defensive lineman underwent surgery at Jackson Memorial Hospital and is expected to recover.

Backup guard, Jason Thomas, also missed practice because of the same virus that has afflicted Jeno James, AJ Feeley and several others on the Miami Dolphins' squad. Also missing was 2nd year backup guard, Eric Wilson, who is contemplating retirement. If Wilson retires that would make him the third player to retire from the Dolphins this week, joining offensive tackle Tony Pape and defensive tackle Orrin Thompson.

With those four players missing, Coach Nick Saban decided to cut practice early rather than overuse the rest of the linemen. Second-year players Vernon Carey and Rex Hadnot are among the few healthy players that are projected starters that Saban does not want to burn out. Carey is already using this camp to try and make the switch from right tackle to left tackle.

The priority now is getting those players healthy and back on the field. With the Miami Dolphins set to begin preseason play on August 8 against the Chicago Bears, the timing couldn't be worse. With an already suspect offensive line going into this season, first year offensive line coach Hudson Houck definitely has his work cut out for him.
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