The Miami Dolphins have added expectations this season and some players are answering the call to step up while others struggle to maintain pace. Injuries have already been an issue as first-round pick DeVante Parker has no return in sight while the offensive line continues to struggle to protect the newly re-signed Ryan Tannehill. While Lamar Miller is expected to be his starting running back, an injury to Jay Ajayi as the backup job in question.
According to Andrew Abramson of the Palm Beach Post, fifth-round draft pick Ajayi is out of training camp with a hamstring injury. The severity of the problem is unknown, but it certainly does not help the running back who was struggling to begin with. While Miller is the undisputed starter, many believed Ajayi would give him a run for his money. However, head coach Joe Philbin told the Miami Herald that unless the rookie learned how to block, he would not see the field.
As a result, LaMichael James is becoming a standout during training camp. The running back has bounced around in the league since getting drafted, but he might have found a home in Miami. According to ESPN's James Walker, James is getting handed praise for his practice highlights. The running back led the Dolphins with 41 rushing yards on nine carries during a team scrimmage while also building a name for himself on special teams.
The run game will come or go based on the success of the offensive line which has been a topic of debate for the Dolphins. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, the Dolphins are primed to sign either Evan Mathis or Jake Long to help with the inconsistencies the line is showing thus far. With Tannehill expected to make noise in the passing game, he cannot have success if he is not protected. The quarterback downplayed the issue to the media.
"I feel safe," Tannehill said, via ESPN.com. "Those guys are competing and facing one of the best - if not the best - defensive tackle in the league. It's not always going to be pretty no matter who's up there. You got an All-Pro guy up there going against Suh; it's going to be a battle. I don't expect those guys to be able to block Suh each and every play. But they're competing and getting better."
The Dolphins added stars like Jordan Cameron, Kenny Stills and Greg Jennings to the offense to help Tannehill excel this season. All of that will go to waste if the offensive line cannot keep him upright during the year.