The Miami Dolphins were expecting big things from tight end Dustin Keller. Always proving to be a reliable offensive target, the team signed him in the offseason to give quarterback Ryan Tannehill another weapon to use. The right end signed a one-year deal with Miami, but his season ended on Saturday after a gruesome injury.
An MRI revealed Keller tore his ACL, MCL and PCL while also dislocating his knee, reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. The leg injury accorded during the team's preseason game with the Houston Texans. Keller was tackled by D.J. Swearinger after an incomplete pass. He was then carted off the field.
Swearinger hit Keller low because that is what NFL rules suggest as the proper and safest way to tackle a player.
"I was just making a hit playing football," Swearinger said. "In this league you've got to go low. If you go high you're going to get a fine. The rules say you can't hit high so I went low and I'm sorry that happened."
So where does that leave the Dolphins? There are few options already on the roster, but very little experience between anyone. Charles Clay, Michael Egnew and Dion Sims all have 34 catches between them and those are all by Clay. Egnew has shown some promise in training camp, but will not be able to make up for the absence of Keller.
The tight end was also expected to play a large role as a receiver, so the Dolphins could look to anyone in free agency. The veteran tight ends on the market after pretty much slim to none. Daniel Graham as decided to retire according to Fox Sports. Kevin Boss has suffered numerous concussions making him likely to retire as well.
The Miami Herald reports the Dolphins are actively calling teams trying to figure out how to replace Keller. Evan Western, a Green Bay Packers blogger, reports the team has numerous players at the position and will likely cut a few, meaning the Dolphins could pick from there. Andrew Quarless, DJ Williams and Brandon Bostick would end up being options.
If the Dolphins opt to make a trade to replace Keller, their options could be better. Brent Celek of the Philadelphia Eagles could be on the block. The team added Zach Ertz and James Casey to the roster, meaning the six-year Eagles veteran could be the odd man out. Jacob Tamme could be a possibility in Denver since Julius Thomas has emerged as a starter.
No matter what, Keller's injury leaves the Dolphins at a big disadvantage. At this point in training camp, finding a player that can duplicate his numbers is going to be tough.
