Mike McDaniel expresses optimism that Terron Armstead, Raheem Mostert can face 49ers
MIAMI GARDENS — Coach Mike McDaniel expressed optimism Wednesday that the Dolphins won’t have to face the San Francisco 49ers while missing both of their starting offensive tackles.
McDaniel was more optimistic that left tackle Terron Armstead will return from a pectoral strain that knocked him out of last weekend’s game against the Houston Texans. He was pessimistic when discussing Austin Jackson, who left the game with an ankle problem.
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Armstead is the anchor of the line, which struggled once he went down, allowing Tua Tagovailoa to be sacked four times.
Armstead would be responsible for handling defensive end Nick Bosa, who has 11.5 sacks.
“Terron Armstead continues to impress me as an individual, a professional and a teammate,” McDaniel said. “I can tell you one thing that I'm certain of: If there's a way that he can be on the field and play in December against a playoff team, he lives for that moment.”
The decision on whether Armstead suits up could hinge on the risk factor. Namely, making sure that if he plays, a pectoral strain doesn’t turn into a pectoral tear, which would end his season.
“As long as there's nothing keeping him from hurting his team or himself, he'll be out there,” McDaniel said. “But you can rest assured that he'll do everything possible. And if he's unable to go, it'll be because it would put himself and his teammates in harm's way.”
The Texans game marked Jackson’s return after initially getting hurt in the season opener and landing on injured reserve.
“I would be surprised if he was able to play,” McDaniel said.
Brandon Shell, normally a right tackle, replaced Armstead against Houston. Greg Little replaced Jackson.
The news also was positive regarding running back Raheem Mostert, who missed the Texans game with a knee injury. McDaniel said Mostert was close to playing last weekend, so he’s cleared to go against the 49ers, his former team.
“I’m definitely ready to go,” Mostert said.
Hal Habib covers the Dolphins for The Post. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins' Armstead, Mostert may face 49ers; Jackson less likely
